Biography: Mary Helen Mulkey, 88 of Little Rock, passed away July 21, 2024.

Mary Helen was born in Springfield, Missouri on April 18, 1936.  Mary Helen graduated from Huntsville High School in 1954 and Arkansas Tech University in Russellville with a degree in Education in 1958. She retired after 30 years of teaching, and then spent two years as a house mom for Sigma Chi fraternity at the University of Arkansas before moving to Little Rock, AR in 1994.

Mary Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Norman “Doc” and Hazel Heathman; sisters Bernice Jones and Carol Albert; brother Dwight Heathman; sons Cary Crawford and Alan Duckworth; husbands “Budge” Crawford, Bill Duckworth, and JB Brown.

She is survived by her husband, James “Jim” Mulkey, Jr. of 30 years, and a large blended family; sons Dwight Duckworth (Dena) of Springdale, AR and Benton Brown (Dini) of Fayetteville, AR; daughters Anne Mulkey Kelley (Tim) of Plainview, TX, and Catherine Mulkey Noernberg (Michael) of Paron, AR; Dell Duckworth Brown (Don) of Sherwood, AR; Bill Duckworth (Nancy) of Marana, AZ; Denise Crawford Brewer of Hot Springs, AR; grandchildren Alyssa Duckworth (Josh), Ashley Duckworth (Alex), Stephanie Crawford Barnes (Sean), Kristen Ramirez (Bobby), Shawn Kelley, Colin Moore (Elisabeth); and three great-grandchildren Bret, Maggie and Ali, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary Helen was an avid bridge player and enjoyed traveling.  She loved walking, staying fit, red roses, and chocolates. She will always be remembered with a smile on her face.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on September 28, 2024, at Trio’s, 8201 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock AR 72227. Please feel free to drop in between 11:30 and 1:30.   In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Mary Helen by donating to your favorite charitable organization. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com