Helen Virginia Heflin

Heaven welcomed a new resident on March 16th, 2015, when Helen Virginia Heflin moved into her new home. A celebration of her life will be Friday, March 20th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Gateway Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Brother Jerry Shelton leading the services, and Brother Terrell Marcom assisting. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Shepard, Rick Collins, Todd Schmittou, Jason Heflin, Shawn Heflin, Jeremy Milom, Drew Shepard, and Mason Collins. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 19th, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Helen was born on April 25th 1931 to Sterling and Carrie Suiter Byard. She was one of nine children who grew up on a farm. Preceding her in death were her parents; her brothers, Skeet "Joe", and Billy Byard; and sisters Lucille Finnery, Eunice Carpenter, and Janice Haynes. Helen was a loving and dedicated wife to her husband, J.W. Heflin for fifty-seven years before his death.

Her family was everything to her. Blessed to call her "Mama" are her children, Carolyn (Ronald) Schmittou, Deborah (George) Marks, Edward (Kay) Heflin, and Jacqueline (Trey) Peterson. She was " Mawmaw" to her grandchildren, Todd (Tracy) Schmittou, Dana Collins, Shawn (Leah) Heflin, Joy (Jimmy) Shepard, Jason (Tammy) Heflin, Jill Groves, Taylor, Bailey, and Sydni Peterson. She had a big hand in helping to raise them, and they were very close and special to her. She delighted in her thirteen great-grandchildren, and loved having them around her. Also surviving her are her brothers Barney (Margaret) Byard, and Buck Byard; her sister by marriage Alberta Heflin Morrison; and many nieces and nephews.

Helen loved the Lord and lived out her faith in tangible ways. She was a Christian and role model for family and friends. She faithfully served the Lord for fifty three years at Memorial Baptist Church. Over the years she taught Sunday school, led missions and children's groups; worked in VBS and led the singing. She loved to cook, and made hundreds of meals for homecomings and potluck fellowships. She ministered to the aged, sick, and homebound. She was her happiest in church and having her family and friends around her. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Keesee Cemetery Fund, c/o Beverly Byard, 816 Palmyra Road, Clarksville, TN 37040.

Arrangements entrusted to Gateway Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 335 Franklin Street, Clarksville, TN 37040. Phone (931) 919-2600. Online condolences may be left at www.GatewayFH.com.