Ruthie T. Helms Biggs

Ruthie T. Helms Biggs born November 8, 1932 to the parents of Gladys Wheeler Helms and Adolphus Helms both preceded her in death.  She made her transition to eternal life at 2:49a.m. Friday, May 17, 2019.

Ruthie accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age.  She was a member of Clayborn Chapel AME Church Springhill Community which later merged with St. Paul AME Church Arkadelphia.

She was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life George C. Biggs October 27, 1951.  To this union four delightful children were born Patsy Ann, Charolett, Rebecca Kaye and George Kevin.  Ruthie was blessed to have step-children whom she loved dearly, namely Flossie Mitchell and Betty Buckley – Isabella Morgan preceded her in death.  Ruthie graduated from Peake High School in Arkadelphia.  She found much joy and delight in being a Stay-At-Home-Mom.  She always had dinner ready for the children when they arrived home from school.   After the last child entered third grade, Ruthie became employed with Mary & Martha’s Flower Shop for many years, before joining her husband at Henderson State University until retirement in 2002.

The life of Ruthie and her late husband George (passed 10/15/2013) was centered around the family and church Clayborn Chapel.  She and other ladies of the church, cooked meals, planned for Homecoming, The Third Sunday Singing Union, and other Special Days at the church.  Ruthie sung in the choir, was a member of the Women’s Missionary Society, A Stewardess, Class Leader and The Order of the Eastern Star.   Ruthie was most noted for her delicious coconut cakes and other pastries she prepared.  Her kitchen became “The Sweet’s Shop” at Christmas.  Ruthie battled with Alzheimer’s for years until God decided to free her Spirit and carry her to her eternal home.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory, kindness and SMILE - children:  Patsy Biggs, Little Rock, AR; Charolett (Randolph) Martin, Hot Springs, AR; Rebecca Green, Little Rock, AR; George Kevin Biggs; Flossie Mitchell and Betty Buckley, Arkadelphia, AR; LaGail R. Biggs (daughter-in-law) Sherwood, AR.   All of her siblings preceded her in death: William, Uriah, Jefferson, Gertrude, Emma Jean, Charles and Janice.  Ruthie’s Grandchildren: Crystal Biggs, Little Rock, AR; Marcus (Angela) Keaton, Conway, AR; Randolph Martin, II, Hot Springs, AR; Jonathan Martin, Atlanta, GA; Ryan Green, Little Rock, AR and Kevin Patrick Biggs, Fayetteville, AR All of them spent summers with her in Gum Springs.  Great Grandchildren: Jalen Huery, Mallorie Keaton and Madden Keaton.  She leaves a special nephew LaMar Rucker, Los Angeles, CA and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Submitted by the Biggs Family

Funeral services for Ruthie T. Biggs will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at St. Paul AME Church with Rev. Dr. Randolph Martin Presiding Elder, Hot Springs/Arkadelphia District, Rev. T. W. Scott, Pastor and Bishop Michael Mitchell Presiding Prelate, 12th Episcopal District of The A.M.E. Church.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. until service time. Interment will be at Springhill Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will be David Buckley, Phillip Buckley, Jerry Jones, Terry Jones and Jalen C. Huery.  Active pallbearers will be Kevin Patrick Biggs, Marcus Emil Keaton, Ryan Anthony Green, Randolph W.  Martin, II., Jonathan Biggs Martin and Brandon Martin.