LaJuan Mooney-Helms

LaJuan Mooney-Helms, 70, of Bryant, Arkansas, passed away Friday, August 29, 2025.

Born June 21, 1955, in Pine Bluff, she was a dedicated community member and loving partner, daughter of the late Bobby John and Eva Jean Poteet Henderson; preceded in death by her husband, Doyle Gene Mooney, and beloved mother-in-law Jeanette McNeill.

She leaves behind her wife, Kelly Mooney-Helms of Bryant; her son, Sheylan Mooney of Poyen; daughters Tanna Riley (Justin) of Poyen, Beth Helms of Little Rock, and Michelle Galfano (Zack) of Snoqualmie, Washington, with whom she was blessed to reconnect in recent years. She was grandmother to Shayla Moore, Lawson and Macy Riley, and great-grandmother to Lakynn and Connor Sterling, and Lainey Moore. Also surviving are her sister, Crystie Smith (Joey) of Poyen and her brothers Bobby Henderson (Jeanne) of Cabot, Chuck Burris, Johnny Henderson and her father-in-law, Don McNeill of Little Rock; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and close friends including Rita Watson, Erik Watson, Krista Moore, Brandy Hughes, Kandy Spurlin, Monica Yarbrough and Monica Heston.

LaJuan had a lifelong love of sports. As Sports Editor for the Malvern Daily Record, she spent many Friday nights on the football sidelines. She went on to dedicate over 20 years as an umpire and coached youth teams for many seasons. Her greatest joy, however, came from watching her children—Sheylan and Tanna and those she claimed as her own, Erik, and Krista—play for the Poyen Indians, and later, seeing her grandchildren—Shayla, Lawson, and Macy—carry on the tradition on the same courts and fields.

LaJuan had a way of capturing life—behind the lens, at a craft table, and in the kitchen. She was equally at home photographing family moments, building something with woodworking tools, painting in oils, or baking her beloved desserts. Even when diabetes challenged her, she refined her recipes to keep the flavor without extra sugar. LaJuan and Kelly married in October 2015, surrounded by family and friends. Their early years together turned heads in town, but in time folks saw what many already knew: they were a strong, steady pair. Diagnosed with a terminal condition in October 2018 and given nine months to live, she quietly showed how far love and grit can carry a person—living nearly seven more years. Kelly and her steadfast sidekick, Nico, stood by her through it all.

LaJuan will be remembered for the small things: her steady hands, welcoming smile, creative spirit, and the warmth she brought to ordinary moments. Her true legacy lives in her children, grandchildren, chosen family, and the loved ones she leaves behind — a family stitched together by love, strengthened through trials, and made richer by every life she touched.

A celebration of life will be held at Poyen City Park on Saturday, September 6, 2025, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Please be sure to bring your own chair to this outdoor event.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of LaJuan can be made to the C & E East Project at Poyen High School. An initiative established by two high school students to build a new sports facility for the Poyen High School Softball and Baseball players. These players are in need of a dress out lockers facility.