Obituary

Helen Jennings Applewhite

November 4, 1931 - March 14, 2026

Helen Jennings Applewhite, age 94, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 14, 20·26. She was born November 4, 1931, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, to Amos and Leona Hunt Jennings. Helen lived a life defined by kindness, grace, and deep love for her family and community. Those who knew her will remember a gentle soul whose warmth, beauty, and compassion touched everyone she met.

Helen graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1948. Soon after, she began working for the City of Bogalusa as secretary to then-mayor Curt Siegelin. During her time in the mayor's office, the Housing Authority of the City of Bogalusa was established, and Helen went on to work there for many years until her retirement. She was known for her dedication, strong work ethic, and the quiet grace with which she carried out her responsibilities.

Faith and fellowship were important parts of Helen's life. She was a member of Main Street Baptist Church and later Lee's Creek Baptist Church. She also enjoyed attending Hilltoppers at Superior Avenue Baptist Church, where she cherished time spent with friends. Helen loved being involved in her community and was a member of the Bogalusa Civic League, the Magic City Garden Council, and the Southeast Garden Clippers. She especially enjoyed gardening and sharing the beauty of flowers with others.

Above all else, Helen's greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who gave her love freely and unconditionally. Her home was always a place of warmth and welcome. She had a gentle spirit, a listening ear, and a heart that always seemed to put others first.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Austin L. Applewhite; her daughter, Marion Lindell Applewhite LeMaire; her parents, Amos and Leona Hunt Jennings; her brother, Huey Houston Jennings; her half-sister, Estelle Lathinghouse Rogers; and her half-brothers, Raleigh Lathinghouse and Floyd Lathinghouse.

She is survived by her son, Gregory Applewhite; her three granddaughters, Jodi Applewhite Dauterive (Don), Dr. Mitou LeMaire Scott (Shane), and Mignette LeMaire Hagan (Chad). She was a proud and loving grandmother to great-grandchildren David Dauterive (Cinthia), Paul Dauterive (Shawna), Marion Scott, Jennings Scott, Madeline Hagan, and Saige Hagan, and great-great-grandchildren Blaire Williams and River Dauterive. She is also survived by many special nieces and nephews who meant so much to her.

Visitation will be held at the Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home in Bogalusa Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. There will be no graveside service.

Helen's life was a beautiful example of kindness, humility, and love. A life so beautifully lived leaves a legacy of love that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory made to the Youth Ministry at Lee's Creek Baptist Church.