Obituary

Mrs. Emily W. Helm
(September 2, 1928 - December 9, 2018)

Mrs. Emily W. Helm, 90, of Huntington, WV died peacefully in her home on December 9, 2018, as she wished. She was born September 2,1928 on a farm in Sharon, Tennessee. She was the daughter of the late Clarence E Witherington and Grace Lucile Witherington. Both of whom died early in her life. She and her sisters were brought to Jefferson City, Tennessee when she was 7 years old and raised, as their own children, by her Uncle James T Warren, who was president old Carson Newman College at the time and his wife Mattie Vincent. It was there that she completed her schooling and college education. In addition to her parents Emily was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 53 years Frederick (Fred) Helm, her sisters Ann Dyer, Dale Mason, brother in law Jack Dyer, her beloved guardians Uncle James Warren and Mattie Vincent and her Aunt Gladys Warren. Along with many Aunts and Uncles. Emily graduated from Carson Newman College (now University) in 1949, with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Home Economics and Minor in Dietetics. Her post graduate work was at East Tennessee State. Upon graduation Emily moved to Beckley, Wv where she worked at Raleigh General hospital, taught school and ultimately ended up at Appalachian Power as a home economist. Through several moves she and Fred ended up in Huntington, WV where she was an avid volunteer at the hospitals, church and the Jeffery George Comfort House. She was named a Distinguished West Virginian and an active member of PEO and a member of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church. Emily was an accomplished pianist. Emily is survived by her son Jim Helm (Susie) of Alexandria, Va, daughter Kay Smith (Steve) of Huntington, WV, grandsons Luke Smith of Huntington, WV, Nick Smith (Bethany) of Charleston, WV and a great granddaughter Stella Rae Smith.As well as her extended family of Tara Barker and Avery Barker.  Her family and her nieces and nephews were the loves of her life. Her family would like to thank the nurses, aids and staff of Hospice of Huntington for their compassion and dedication to our mother in these last sever so weeks. And to Dr. Garret Kimmey and his devoted staff for their strength and smiles and devotion to the long-term care of Emily.  Services will be held 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at the Fifth Avenue Baptist Church by The Reverend Eric Porterfield and Reverend Alicia Porterfield.  Interment will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery.  Friends may call Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. until service time at the church. Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.