From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (African American Women Veterans in and from Kentucky)

Bumpus, Helen Leigh Gregory

(born: March 3, 1918 - died: May 4, 2006)

Subject

Women's Army Corps (WACs)

Migration North

Military and Veterans

World War II

U.S. Army

Military Branch

Women's Army Corps

Active Duty Entered

September 1, 1943

Active Duty Exit

January 13, 1946

Notes

Helen L. Gregory was born in Paducah, KY, the daughter of Arthur and Odelia A. Harris Gregory. The family is enumerated in the 1920 U.S. Census when they were living in Paducah. When they were enumerated in the 1930 U.S. Census, the family had moved to Toledo, OH. At that time, Helen's father was a painter. He was a paper hanger who owned his own business when the family was enumerated in the 1940 U.S. Census. Helen was employed as a seamstress on a renovation project.

In 1942, Helen Gregory enlisted in the Army at Fort Hayes, OH, according to her record in the National Archives, Access to Archival Databases. She left for service in 1943.

After her military service, Helen Gregory returned to Toledo, OH, where she married Johnny O. Bumpus on November 5, 1947. Both had been born in Kentucky. Helen L. Gregory Bumpus died in Toledo, OH in 2006.

Sources: U.S. Social Security Applications and Claims Index in Ancestry; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File in Ancestry; Ohio Death Records in Ancestry; Ohio, County Marriage Records in Ancestry; and Helen L. Bumpus at Find A Grave.