News & Announcements

Happy Birthday, Helen Dramer Jarrell - July 3, 1925

Thursday, July 3, 2025, has been declared “Helen Dramer Jarrell Day” in the city of Oxford in celebration of Jarrell’s 100^th birthday.

Jarrell, who resides at Oxford House Apartments, was feted to an afternoon-long birthday party, filling the fellowship hall with family, friends, and fellow residents.

Mayor Alton Craft presented Jarrell with a resolution designating her special day, along with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the city council.

The resolution noted her “servant’s heart” as she formerly worked as a nurse’s aide at the Mary Brandon Nursing Home, and at the Oxford Senior Citizens Center, from where she retired at the age of 90.

Jarrell survived her husband of 55 years, Jim, and daughter Helen Diane, and has been blessed with two grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.

“We are so happy for you and are glad you are here,” Craft said.

“I don’t have anything to grumble about,” Jarrell said. “Oxford is my home. I love this city and my Lord. I’m happy.”

_______

Helen Dramer Jarrell was born to Ida Mae and Walter Hurbert Waldrop, on July 3, 1925. Helen was born the eighth of their nine children. Helen had two sisters and six brothers.
 
Helen married Efton Harrison on January 16, 1943. Her most precious child, Helen Dianne, was born on November 20, 1943. Helen was also blessed with two grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren. Helen divorced Efton in 1945. She raised Diane on her own until she met Jim Jarrell at work at the cotton mill where she worked. Helen and Jim married on June 10, 1948, and they were married for 55 years until Jim's passing in 2003.
 
Helen has always had a servant's heart. She cared for her mother until her passing, then worked for many years at the Mary Brandon Nursing Home in Oxford as a nurse's aide, where she loved on and took great care of the residents. Helen retired from the nursing home and was able to help care for her great-grandchildren. Later in life, Helen volunteered at the Oxford Senior Citizens Center, where she helped serve lunch. She enjoyed going early so she could play dominoes and exercise. Helen retired from the Senior Citizens Center at 90 years old.
 
Helen moved into the Oxford House Apartments in December 2011, after her beloved daughter passed away on March 13, 2011. Helen enjoys living at Oxford House Apartments. She has made numerous friends over the past 14 years. She is loved by many and is an inspiration to all. Helen continues to play Domino's and exercises daily, as you can always find her walking in the halls or outside on the sidewalks, getting in her steps.
 
Helen loves God and loves her family, whom she prays for daily.