Helen Louise Simmons Burgess

October 28, 1932 – April 21, 2026

Helen Burgess, 93, of Crossville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 28, 1932, in Crossville, to the late Cecil and Minnie Thomas Simmons, and grew up with five siblings.

Helen dedicated many decades to serving her local community through her small country grocery store in south Cumberland County. She cherished every person who walked through its doors. Helen was the cornerstone of her immediate family, organizing countless Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas celebrations, and annual Easter egg hunts for her children and grandchildren at her home.

In 1965, she married Calvin Sylvester Burgess. They spent a few years in Michigan before making their permanent home in the Winesap area. Helen adored her family and spent many hours doting on her numerous grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin, in 2020, after 55 years of marriage, and by her brothers Powell, Lowell, and Paul. She is survived by her brother Sheldon and her beloved sister Maralyn, with whom she spoke at least once a day.

Helen is also survived by her children; Sharon (the late Sam, 2018) Watson, Stanley (Doris) Watkins, Penny (Tom) Van Wirt, and Casey (Melanie) Burgess. She was preceded in death by two children, Dennis Watkins, who passed away at birth, and Cecil Burgess (2021). She leaves behind thirty two grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren whom she adored.

Helen will be laid to rest beside her husband Calvin in Akins Cemetery in Crossville, Tennessee, on Saturday, April 25th. Visitation will be held at Crossville Memorial Funeral Home from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a graveside service at Akins Cemetery.

Her hope and prayer were that her extended family and friends, along with all those whose lives she touched, would come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

If you would prefer, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local church of your choice.

“To God be the glory, great things He has done, so loved He the world that He gave us His Son.”