Mrs. Helen Marie Curry Birdsong, age 78 years, of Tuscumbia, Mo., died Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at St. Marys Health Center.

     Helen was born September 6, 1931 in Miller County, Mo. the daughter of Robert I. and Esther Pierce Burks. She was married on October 22, 1947 to Ralph W. Curry who preceded her in death. On October 26, 1997, she married Donald Birdsong who also preceded her in death.

     A life long resident of the central Missouri area, Helen attended Tuscumbia High School.

     A homemaker, she had been employed as a nurse at Humphries Hospital for many years and later with the Eldon Shoe Factory.

     Other survivors include: one son, Gary Curry and his wife Charlotte of Lebanon, Mo.; one daughter, Phyllis Kemna and her husband Donnie of Arizona; two brothers, Robert Burks, Jr. and his wife Ermalee and Joe Burks; three sisters, Agnes Vacarro and her husband Vince, Bonnie Presswood and her husband Kenny; and Nina Atwell and her husband J.R.; five grandchildren, Randy Curry, Ryan Curry, Chris Curry, Missy Barlow, and Mike Kemna; and thirteen great grandchildren.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, two sisters, Lorene Bond and Opal Burks, and three children at birth.

     A private family service will be conducted.

     Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.