Helen McAnally

Mary Helen McAnally, beloved mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, went to be home with her Savior on January 15, 2026, at the age of 91. Her life was a steadfast reflection of her unwavering faith. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that has always guided her family and will continue for generations to come. As a testament to her love for the Lord, Helen loved singing and listening to gospel music, reading her bible, and attending church every time the doors were open. She enjoyed working in the yard with her flowers and spending time in her garden growing food to feed others. She loved cooking and always made sure her kitchen was open and stocked with her homemade biscuits. 

Helen was born February 2, 1934. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Esther Phifer; her husband, Louis Burt McAnally; a son, Tommy McAnally; two grandsons, Jason Bobo and Seth McGee; her brothers, Chunky, Harold, Billy Ray, Junior, Randel, and Jimmy Dale Phifer; and a sister, Betty Faye Phifer. She is survived by her sons, Timmy McAnally, Tony McAnally (Tonya), and Stevie McAnally (Tammy); and her daughters, Kathy Bobo (Vernon), Sherry Sparks (Gerry), Vickie McGee (Steve), and Connie Smith (Mike). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Camilla Hopper, Tyler Bobo (Chelsey), Jacob McAnally (Chrystal), Ian McAnally, Lydia Lambert (Lyonel), Beth Davis (Robert), Anna Glenn (Cameron), Andy Sparks, Katelynn Gilliland (Daniel), Taylor Gibson (David), Tanner McAnally, Charlie McAnally, Cooper McAnally, Maggie Floyd (Davis), and Michael Smith (Kadyn); as well as, 26 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by two brothers, Doyle Gene Phifer and Donnie Phifer (Sheila); and two sisters, Ann Phifer and Maxine Phifer. 

Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Tishomingo. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, at the church, officiated by Bro. Bobby Casteel. Interment will be in Shady Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers include Michael Smith, Tyler Bobo, Andy Sparks, Tanner McAnally, Charlie McAnally, Cooper McAnally, Jacob McAnally, and Ian McAnally. An online guestbook may be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.