Emily Helen Ridings

August 2, 1934 - December 29, 2018

Nettleton— Emily Helen Ridings, 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 29, 2018. Born in Golden, MS on August 2, 1934, she was a daughter of S.T. and Bama Keeton Burton. Helen attended school in Golden, MS. She met the love of her life, Billy Ridings, in Zion, IL, and they were married on August 3, 1954. They happily moved back to Mississippi in 1974. During her life, she worked as a CNA with Daniels NH in the 1970s, with Vanity Fair Outlet throughout the 1980s, and also as a housekeeper. She was a longtime member of 10 Acre Baptist Church in Golden, but loved Cason Baptist Church, where she had recently been attending. She appreciated the atmosphere of the preaching and singing there. Helen was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Evergreen Lodge. Her family brought Helen the greatest joy in her life, with a multitude of grandchildren, great-grands, and great-great-grands. Helen was an active Room mother while her children were in school. She cherished spending time with her family, as well as her close friends, Addie Belle Moore, Judy and Paul Chumney. She often helped Judy and Paul with gardening. Helen loved going to town and visiting with her friends. Additionally, she would visit Randy and Sandy Burton in Red Bay, AL. In her free time, she enjoyed watching deer, foxes, and other wildlife. Additionally, Helen enjoyed listening to Gospel and Bluegrass music. A dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, Helen has left lasting memories with her family and loved ones. She was very fond of her nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her. Helen is survived by her daughters, Romma Gaye Harris (Jerry), Smithville, Brenda G. Robinson (Donald), Amory; grandchildren, Jeremy Loden (Kristen), Stephanie Loden, Donna Gray (Kevin), David Robinson (Amy), Wesley Robinson (Stephanie), Austin Hughes, Landon Hughes, Shaunda Harris, Jessica Kennedy, Hannah Harris; great-grandchildren, Gunnar Gray (Shannon), Garrett Gray (Clara), Tyler Loden, Emory Loden, Mary Lace Stemphill (James), Grace “Gracie” Gray, Gannon Gray, Alex Robinson, Charlie Robinson, Ella Kate Kennedy, Anna Belle Kennedy, Elijah Kennedy, Charlie Kate Jones; great-great-grandchildren, Swaze Ruth Gray, Rider Sargent Gray; brothers, Sherman Burton, Evergreen Community, Dennis Wayne Burton (Betty), Hamilton, AL; several nieces and nephews; and very special friends, Judy and Paul Chumney and Addie Bell Moore. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Herbert Wilson “Billy” Ridings; sisters, Pauline Swindle, Mayline Hemphill, Jeanette Tate; and brother, Herman Burton (Evelyn). A funeral service will be held at 3PM Sunday, December 30, 2018 at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory. Bro. Jim Manley will lead the service. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery. Pallbearers include Jeremy Loden, Austin Hughes, Landon Hughes, Gunnar Gray, Garrett Gray, and Gannon Gray. Paul Chumney will serve as an honorary pallbearer. Visitation will be at the funeral home, Sunday, from 1PM-2:45PM. In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials may be made to Liberty Cemetery at 30021 Lazy Day Cove, Nettleton, MS 38858. Please feel free to share any memories and condolences with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com