(Ruby) Helen Milner Cortts went peacefully to her glorious home with Jesus on July 12, 2021, after a lengthy illness. Born on November 2, 1929 to T.J. and Edith Milner in Columbus, GA, the oldest of 9 children, she lived in Cuthbert, GA her young life, worked on a farm, and tended the family general store. She graduated from Randolph County H.S. in 1947 and moved to Jacksonville to attend Massey Business College.
She married Curtis H. Crotts July 3, 1954 and moved to North Jacksonville where she resided until 2013. She was an avid gardener. Her yard on Broward Road was the envy of the community. It was recognized in the newspaper and television several times.
She raised a family and was a homemaker until 1986. She worked for Winn Dixie grocery in the deli department as ‘The Hot Dog Lady’. In 1989 she began working for Sam’s Club as a greeter, which completely fit her personality. She retired in 1996.
She was a member of Highlands United Methodist Church since 1972 serving and volunteering in many capacities including Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and Sunday School Teacher.
She enjoyed travel to the mountains and Biloxi often with her sisters, and riding in the car. She was known for her gentle sweet smile and kindness what would light a room and soothe any heart.
She is preceded in death by her parents Tillman Jefferson Milner, Sr. (T.J.) and Emma Edith Milner, her husband of 56 years Curtis H. Crotts, brothers Tillman, Jimmie and Martin Milner, daughter-in-law Nancy Lempke Crotts. Survivors include her sons Curtis Steven Crotts and wife Tammy, Bryan Hilton Crotts and dear friend and companion Joyce Cox, sisters Emma Jeffrey Kilpatrick, Cara Sue Simmons (Willis), Edna Merle (DeDee), Webb (Johnnie), Jan Moore (Robert), brother Richard Arnold Milner (Elaine), sister-in-law Carol Crotts, and a host of nieces and nephews and special friends.
Much gratitude and thanks to in-home caregivers Gloria Solomon and Myriam French for years of loving care. Also, to Haven Hospice staff of Orange Park for their tender care.
A visitation will be held Friday July 16, 2021 from 5 PM to 7 PM in Evergreen Chapel 4535 Main St Jacksonville, Florida 32206. Funeral Service will be 1:30 PM at Highlands Methodist Church 1955 Broward Rd #5337, Jacksonville, FL 32218. An additional visitation will be held in the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Highlands United Methodist Church or Haven Hospice of Orange Park.
14 Comments
A souther Lady. Never heard anything negative about her. Blessings and prayers.
I will miss my sweet smiles and occasional finger wagging of this dear, sweet soul. It was my pleasure to be able to provide loving care for her. Enjoy the beautiful, bountiful garden you now tend.
Peace and loving memories to her family and all who knew her.
I love Gloria Solomon’s comment about Miss Helen tending and enjoying the beautiful, bountiful garden that she gets to help tend up in Heaven! She loved her garden!!
Prayers for all her family!
Love and prayer, Bryan, to you and Joyce and the family. It was such a blessing to know Miss Helen. I loved her sweet smile and looked forward to her Sunday pictures. She will be truly missed but we know she knowcwalks and talks with all her loved ones that preceeded her to Heaven. She will always be looking over you and Steven. Cherish the memories. There are so many.
In all the years that I knew Mrs. Crotts I never heard her say an unkind word. She was a true southern lady and a wonderful example of a Christian. Rest in Peace Mrs. Crotts, I’ll miss you.
I’ll miss the weekly Sunday Facebook post of her being all dressed and pretty with her makeup. It was a highlight of my Sunday to see her. I know her lipstick is perfectly applied in heaven.
Sleep well my dearest Cousin.You will be missed.God must have needed another angel.?♥️??
Sleep well my dear cousin.You will see your family again soon.God must have needed another angel.♥️???
Helen Crotts is one of the sweetest women and I are ever had the pleasure to know. She worked with my mom at the polls when we voted and I had the best looking garden I’ve ever seen on the north side. Her son Bryan is a dear dear friend of mine who I’ve known since birth it seems. She will be missed but she will be in great company with my parents in heaven. I pray for all of those who are left here to mourn her loss and wish for everyone that you know the Lord so that you may one day see her again in heaven.
Bryan and Steve
I remember your mom so fondly with her warm and smile. I will never forget her beautiful garden. I know the joy she brought to your life and the hole you have in your heart now. We are sending our deepest sympathy, love and prayers.
Even though I know that Miss Helen is in a better place now, I still miss her at church with her son and my friend Bryan. She was always dressed so fashionably and her smile came from her heart. Such a beautiful family.
rest in peace, Sweet Miss Helen
We smile knowing she is in heaven with your dad. We have such fond memories of her, with her kind heart and gentle spirit. Her gardening skills are unmatched!
Sending our sympathy and prayers to Steve and Bryan and the rest of the family. May she live on in your lives, your smiles, and the love and kindness you show others.
Dear Steven and Bryan,
Our love and deepest sympathies go out to you. Your mother always had a cheerful smile and kind words for everyone and she dressed impeccably. Before we moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, we used to occasionally drive by your parents’ home to see what was blooming in your mother’s garden. It brightened our day! Mrs. Crotts was truly a Classy Southern Belle!
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