Helen Polk Mosby

Helen Polk Mosby, 100, died peacefully Sept. 9, 2010, at The Trezevant Manor Health Center in Memphis. She was born in Helena, Ark., on Oct. 1, 1909, to James W. Clopton and Marie Lockwood Clopton. She lived most of her entire life in Helena, devoting herself to her family, church, friends and numerous philanthropic organizations. She graduated from Penn Hall in Chambersberg, Pa., and studied music and art in Washington, D. C., at the Misses Stones School for young ladies. She returned to Helena and in 1930 married Cadwallader Leonidas Polk Jr. They had three children, Cadwallader Leonidas Polk III, Gloria Polk Nobles, of Memphis and Helen Elizabeth "Libby" Polk Wolf. Mrs. Polk was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband who was killed in an automobile accident in 1950; by her son; and daughter, Elizabeth Polk Wolf. In 1962, she married Winston Mosby of Helena, who died in 1986. Mrs. Mosby's philanthropic endeavors spanned an artistic gamut ranging from watercolor painting to choir directing, to writing, to designing clothes. Her signature creations were her hats, worn to many a Mid-South party, concert or Sunday morning church service. Outstanding in her long list of accomplishments, was as a founding member of the Warfield Concert Series in Helena in 1969. She also raised funds for the new Performing Arts Center where the concerts are held today. Her early interest in these free concerts resulted from a long friendship between herself and Samuel Drake Warfield of Helena. It was Mrs. Mosby's belief that music should be available to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. During the 43 years of the series, the Mid-South has been treated to musical greats such as pianists Van Cliburn and Lorin Hollander, Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, Metropolitan Opera stars Sherrill Milnes and Roberta Peters and The Memphis Symphony. As chairman of The Warfield Concerts Committee for 27 years, she entertained many of these famous performing artists in her home. The series continues this season. Her book, "Free Tickets" published when she was 90, describes the first 25 years of the free Warfield Concerts which have brought pleasure to thousands of people in the Mid-South. In her mid-fifties, this remarkable southern lady began her watercolor painting career which resulted in numerous Mid-South art enthusiasts collecting her works. She conducted workshops throughout the South with Texas artist, Stefan Kramer. She was the recipient of many blue ribbons and awards for her talent. Helen Mosby was a signature member of the Mid-South Watercolor Society and a member of the American Artists Professional League of New York. Her service to other organizations included board memberships with The Memphis Orchestral Society and The Arkansas Symphony and a patron of the Metropolitan Regional Auditions held in Memphis each year. She was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Helena her entire life. She sang in the choir for more than 70 years and also directed it for many years. In her business life she was a long time successful agent with the New York Life Insurance Company. Mrs. Mosby is survived by her devoted daughter, Gloria Polk Nobles of Memphis; four granddaughters, Helen Nobles Bird (Chris) of Memphis, Lilian Nobles Rudd (Lee) of Memphis, Catherine Polk MacAdam (Don) of Agua Dulce, Calif., Elizabeth Polk Wolf Zucchero (A.J.) of Atlanta; two grandsons, John Clopton Wolf of Helena and Cadwallader "Buddy" Leonidas Polk IV (Julie) of Houston, Texas; and 11 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Helena, Ark., Tuesday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon in the fellowship hall. The church is located at 625 Pecan Street, Helena, Ark. 72342 (870) 338-8115. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested for St. John's Episcopal Church, 625 Pecan St., Helena, Ark. 72342 or The Warfield Concert Series Foundation, P.O. Box 81, Helena, Ark. 72342 or a charity of choice. Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571. Online guest book www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.