Helen Carter Graham
July 12, 1922May 9, 2026
Helen Carter Graham, age 103, of Natchitoches, passed away at her home on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
The family received friends on Wednesday, May 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home. Funeral services were officiated by Bro. Clovis Sturdivant, immediately followed. Interment was at at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches, .
Helen was born on July 8,1922 in Winn Parish, to Robbins & Mae Carter. She graduated from Winnfield High School at the young age of 15 and rode a bus to Natchitoches to attend college.
She was a graduate of Northwestern State College and Louisiana State University receiving a Masters of Education +30. She worked as a Supervising Teacher for 30+ years, receiving the Superintendent’s award for Excellence in Education.
Helen was a faithful member of Westside Baptist Church since 1946, where she served as Church Organist, Pianist, and Sunday School Teacher for college- aged students for many years.
Helen was a founding member of the local Alpha Delta Kappa Teaching Sorority where she served as the chapter’s first president. She was a long time member of the Association for Preservation of Historic Natchitoches serving as Treasurer for two decades. Her passion for teaching continued through her work as a tour guide at Melrose Plantation, where she shared her knowledge of the plantation’s history and people with visitors.
In her free time, Helen enjoyed traveling around the world and documenting her travels, crocheting, reading books, and spending time with her family. She especially cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, Herbert Leslie Graham Sr.; her parents; and one brother, William “Bill” Carter.
She is survived by her two children; Patty Walker (Wayne) of Natchitoches, and Herbert Leslie Graham Jr. of Harrahan ; four grandchildren, Debbie Gillespie (Tony), Nathan Graham (Mary), Jared Walker, and Lesley Jordan (Tony); 10 great-grandchildren, Jeremy Walker (Jessica), Adam Walker, Hailey Walker, Scott Settle, Kaitlyn Settle, Aubree Jordan, Ethan Gillespie (Haley), Kathryn Gillespie, Audrey Graham, and Vivian Graham.
Pallbearers were Scott Settle, Jared Walker, Jeremy Walker, Adam Walker, Ethan Gillespie, and Nathan Graham.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Helen’s dedicated sitters, Patricia Payne and Ruby, for their love, care, and support during Helen’s final years.
Helen dedicated her entire life to her family, friends, students, church, and community.