Mary Helen (Saucier) Ladner

Mary Helen Ladner, 68 of the Steep Hollow community, passed away Tuesday at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. She was born March 27, 1952 in Poplarville, the third of seven children to Edward Eugene & Jean Marie (Parker) Saucier. Mary Helen grew up on the family farm in the Steep Hollow community that she loved and called home most all of her life. She enjoyed the country life, especially gardening, raising and canning vegetables. After graduating from Poplarville, she moved on to PRCC where she studied cosmetology. While she never actually worked in or owned a shop of her own, she did keep her family taken care of. Mary Helen did live in Necaise at one time for a while, but realizing that just wasn't home, she soon got back to Steep Hollow. Sadly she was a widowed at an early age, but that didn't stop her. She raised her two boys, Steven and David, caring and providing for them without ever once complaining. Mary Helen had one of those personalities that everyone simply loved. She loved life, laughter and she never met a stranger. A Christian woman with a strong faith, she was a life-long, active member at Steep Hollow Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, Children's Church, VBS and many other activities. Mary Helen absolutely loved crafts, things such as woodworking, sewing, making jewelry and painting, usually in bright, flashy colors. Now all of this she accomplished while being legally blind and unless you really knew her, you probably didn't realize it. Of her favorite things to do was to watch scary movies. She is remembered as a "one of a kind mother", sister, aunt and a devoted friend. She never forgot anything either, making her one of the best storytellers in the family. She was definitely the life of the party and will no doubt be fondly remembered by all whose life she touched. She was preceded by her parents, Edward E. & Jean Marie Saucier; her husband Hugh Dudley Ladner and their infant son, Joshua, and two of her brothers, Larry and Robert Saucier. Left to cherish her memories are: her sons Steven Ladner and David (Kayla) Ladner; sisters Donnie (Wordie) Carroll and Cathy (Andy) Peterson and brothers Paul (Sue) and James Ray (Tanya) Saucier; three grandchildren: Dudley, Sonny and Brianna Ladner, all of whom live in Steep Hollow, along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors. The family has set visitation for Thursday evening beginning at 6:00 PM in the sanctuary of Steep Hollow Baptist Church. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 AM Friday morning and afterward she will be laid to rest in the Necaise Crossing Cemetery. If you plan to attend, please be aware of the Covid-19 situation and adhere to recommended guidelines. Those who are ill or displaying symptoms are asked to sign the online registry and refrain from attending. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Ladner family in their time of need. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.