Remembering Alderwoman Helen R. Harris Curry: 50 Years of Dedication to Bolton

Special to The Bolton News

The Town of Bolton lost one of its most cherished leaders and community pillars on December 25, 2025, with the passing of Alderwoman Helen R. Harris Curry. A trailblazer in every sense, Alderwoman Curry was the first African American woman to serve on the Bolton Board of Aldermen, dedicating over 50 years of her life to public service and leaving a legacy that will endure for generations.

Helen Curry’s leadership was defined by wisdom, humility, and unwavering devotion to the people she served. Whether in the council chamber or in the streets of Bolton, she listened carefully, acted thoughtfully, and placed the needs of the community above her own. She became a mentor to emerging leaders and a trusted voice for residents, guiding her town through decades of growth and change with grace and integrity.

Beyond her civic duties, Helen Curry had a deep love for life, people, and animals. She spent countless hours outdoors, reveling in nature and finding peace among the rolling fields and pastures that she so loved. Her passion for horses was well-known, and she was an active participant in the local horse club, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with neighbors and friends. To her, animals and the natural world were an extension of her compassion, and she brought the same care and attention to her community that she did to all living things around her.

Faith was central to Helen’s life. She was a devoted member of Hill of Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Bolton, where her guidance, warmth, and steadfast presence inspired many. Her faith informed her public service, her relationships, and her approach to every challenge she encountered, reinforcing the deep connection between her personal values and her work in the community.

Those who knew Alderwoman Curry describe her as more than a leader—she was a friend, a mentor, and a source of strength. She had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel valued, whether through a kind word, a shared laugh, or her tireless work on behalf of the town she loved. Her devotion to Bolton and its residents left a mark that cannot be measured, touching countless lives across generations.

The community will honor Alderwoman Curry’s life with visitation on Thursday, January 1, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at Bolton Funeral Home, 205 Bolton Brownsville Road. The viewing will continue on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 6449 W. Northside Drive, with the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Hill of Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 1079 Annie Fortner Road.

Alderwoman Helen R. Harris Curry’s life was one of courage, commitment, and love—for her community, for her neighbors, and for the world around her. She broke barriers, inspired generations, and reminded everyone that true leadership is measured not by position, but by the lives we touch and the difference we make. Bolton will remember her not only as a historic figure in local government but as a woman whose heart, energy, and dedication helped shape the soul of the town.