Eleanor Edith Cantrell Helton, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, September 14 at Lincoln Medical Center in Fayetteville. She was born to Ernest Aubrey (Jack) and Gladys Cross Cantrell in Knoxville in 1934. She grew up in Knoxville where she met and married her husband of 60 years, Hamilton Asher Helton. She received a degree in Home Economics from the University of Tennessee and later her teaching certificate from Motlow College. She was an educator in the Fayetteville City School System for 20 years and after retirement was a substitute teacher and volunteer in the City school system for many years.
Mrs. Helton was preceded in death by her husband, Asher Helton, and her son John Helton. She is survived by children Nan (Colin) Wakefield of Fayetteville, Jim (Karen) Helton of Cookeville, and Jan (Kip) Davis of Maryville. In addition, she leaves several grandchildren whom she dearly loved: Mollie (Stevenson) Giles of Spring Hill, Johnathan Helton of Gaithersburg, Maryland, Erin (Tanner) Crook of Chattanooga, Katie (Alan) Guy of Knoxville, Rachel Helton of Vienna, Virginia, Lane Davis of Sweetwater, Bonnie Wakefield (fiancé Ryan Poole) of Knoxville, Emily Helton of Knoxville, and Caroline Davis of Maryville. Mrs. Helton is also survived by sisters-in-law Doris Brady of Knoxville, Hester Fay of Knoxville, Margie Carico of Maryville, Mary Hinkle of Knoxville, and Jennie (Marshall) Hickey of Knoxville, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and son, Eleanor was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Paul Helton, Gene Brady, and David Hinkle and sisters-in-law Emily Tanner Helton and Jan Gideon Helton.
Mrs. Helton recently celebrated the birth of her first great-grandchild, Asher Hobson Crook of Chattanooga.
Eleanor loved her family, her church, her gardens and plants, and especially her dear friend Alease Pigg who cared for her so lovingly over the past years.
The family will hold a small private graveside service officiated by Mr. Tommy Ward and Mr. Tommy Vann on Friday, September 17th at Rose Hill Cemetery in Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 Elk Avenue N, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
The family would like to express their special thanks to Alease Pigg, the staff at Lincoln Manor, and the staff at Lincoln Medical Center who were so kind and caring to Mom.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Eleanor Helton.
4 Comments To "Eleanor Edith Cantrell Helton"
#1 Comment By Lesa Hodge On September 17, 2021 @ 3:34 pm
Nan, I’m so sorry to hear about your momma. She was a really sweet lady.
#2 Comment By Christie Atkins On September 17, 2021 @ 4:00 pm
Nan, Jim, and Jan ~ We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Helton. I was just thinking about her the other as I was trying to adapt in my classroom something she used in our 9th grade science class all those years ago. Deepest sympathy ~ Christie Mitchell Atkins
#3 Comment By Rhonda Copple On September 18, 2021 @ 6:07 am
This is one beautiful and amazing obituary – and I’m sure the same could be said of this beautiful and amazing woman. I was glad to read all this Nan.
#4 Comment By Mike Goddard On September 20, 2021 @ 8:17 am
Jan, Kip, and Lane
Jan, I was very sorry to hear of your Mother passing. Keeping you all in our prayers.