RIDGELAND - Helena Scully Houpt, 93, was born on January 10, 1928, in Cardiff, Wales, to Michael Joseph Scully and Edith Canning Scully. She passed away on January 16, 2021, in her home from age related issues. She had been a resident of Ridgeland for more than 60 years. As a resident of Wales, she was witness to the constant bombing by the Germans during World War II. In 1944 she met and fell in love with a young American soldier from Pontotoc, Mississippi, named Fred James Houpt. Fred was billeted in Cardiff in preparation for the Allied invasion of Europe. When the war ended and before he was shipped back to the United States, he returned to Cardiff ( while, technically, AWOL ) and married Helena on September 14, 1945. In June, 1946, Helena, along with many other “ war brides “ , sailed to America aboard the Queen Mary. She somehow managed make her way to Pontotoc, where she lived with Fred’s family until his discharge from the Army. After trying their hand at farming for a couple of years, they moved to Raymond so that Fred could attend Hinds Junior College under the GI Bill. They later, moved to Jackson and eventually settled in Ridgeland in November, 1961. Among her many accomplishments, in addition to being a devoted wife and mother, the two of which she was most proud were becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States and helping lead many young girls to Christ as a Sunday School teacher and GA adviser at Ridgeland Baptist Church ( now First Ridgeland Baptist Church ). She was predeceased by her parents, two brothers, and four sisters, as well as Fred, her loving husband for 58 years. She is survived by her three children, Mike Houpt ( Claudia ) of Gluckstadt, Vicki Spell ( Scott ) of Ridgeland and Danny Houpt ( Lisa) of Ridgeland. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Michael Houpt ( Kim ) of Gluckstadt, Dr. Amanda H. Cook ( Chris ) of Gluckstadt, Damon Houpt (Ginger ) of Abita Springs, Louisiana, Clint Spell ( Natalie ) of Tualatin, Oregon and Gina Houpt of Ridgeland and her great- grandchildren, Gracie Houpt, Hayden Houpt, Emma Kate Cook, Jake Cook and Helena Houpt. She is also survived by her sister, Niki Angelac of Santa Maria, California. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to First Ridgeland Baptist Church at 302 West Jackson Street, Ridgeland, MS 39157. A graveside service will be conducted Tuesday January 19, 2021 at Jessamine Cemetery in Ridgeland.