Helen Ruth Draper

September 21, 1929 - December 22, 2020

Helen Ruth Maxwell Draper was born September 21, 1929 in Jackson County, TN and she passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Lakeshore Meadows Nursing Home in Nashville at the age of 91. She was the daughter of Charles and Ida Whitaker Maxwell. She was married to Ward Draper who passed away on Feb. 6, 1996. Mrs. Helen was a member of the Gainesboro Church of Christ, DAR and the Jackson County Historical Society. She was a bookkeeper with Twin Lakes Telephone Company. Universal Connections Ode to Mom and Dad The call came late on the longest winter night. The same day as the winter solstice in 2020—a transitional year. Saturn and Jupiter were in conjunction and the universe promised another. My hope: no matter what this night brings, sunrise will speak to renewal. Pray for Mom tonight. We need more kind souls like Ms. Helen. Time shortened ‘Helen Ruth’ to a single name, a nod to many distractions. Dad often called for simpler times—more kindness and caring. They labored for a better world for everyone—I love them for it. Many things I’ll never know rest on what they told and taught— Denise, Josie—we all benefited from strong family bonds. Grandparents and cousins, more friends and blessings. The town and citizens were textbook; freedoms and talents flourished. We were blessed with a wonderful family and a perfect place to live. Loving parents taught us the value of empathy and compassion. And the need for a sustainable planet—for everyone—we’re equal. History’s lesson: much work is required but God’s green earth is worth it. In later years, Mom really missed Dad and her sister Lucye—and going to church. She would want me to tell everyone how much she loved family and friends. And Gainesboro, Jackson County, Twin Lakes, Free State, Roaring River . . . Everyone knew: Ms. Helen Ruth never met a stranger. Mom appreciated her caregivers—they did everything but turn back time. The pandemic kept us apart—the arc of age kept us from talking but we communicated. Separated by a thousand miles, we still were close, closer in some ways—I sensed it. Mom, when you find Dad . . . and Aunt Lucye, I’ll know you’re at peace. Ashes to ashes. Light to dark to light. Hugs and kisses from afar. One last time before you go. Love you always— Edward She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Charles, Fred and Carson Maxwell; sisters, Frances Chaffin and Lucye Long. Survivors include son, Edward Ward Draper of Texas; daughter, Denise Horn of Nashville; granddaughter, Josephine Maxwell Horn of Nashville and cousin Jean Garrett Richardson. The family has chosen cremation with a memorial service to be conducted at a later date with burial to follow in Rob Draper Memorial Cemetery. Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 931-268-1550