Helen Louise Sharp Smith, 80, passed away January 22, 2021, at Parkwest Medical Center as a result of COVID-19.
Helen was the one of eleven children, born on January 8, 1941, in Huntsville, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Mary Karen Smith; her parents, J.J. and Erie West Sharp; brothers and sisters-in-law, Douglas Sharp (and wife Linda, surviving), Jake and Dolores Sharp, and Joe and Alene Sharp; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jean and Wesley Riggins, Liz and Vernon West, Mae and Charles Chitwood, Joyce Loy, and Judy and Joe Purcell.
Helen is survived by her two sons, William Scott Smith and wife, Cynthia, of Oak Ridge and John Steven Smith and wife, Jennifer, of Murfreesboro; three grandsons, Isaac, Andrew and Matthew Smith; one brother, Roger Sharp (and wife Shirley, deceased) of Oak Ridge; one sister, Nancy Johnson and husband, Bill, of Jamestown; and a host of nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Huntsville High School, Helen attended Eastern Kentucky University where she received a degree in education. She worked as an educator in Morgan, Roane, and Scott counties for over fifteen years. She was proud of her career in education, which provided her an avenue to positively impact the lives of her many students across the years.
Throughout her life, Helen always enjoyed spending fun times with her brothers and sisters and could often be found making jokes and orchestrating pranks on an unsuspecting sibling. Helen was a talented athlete who was recruited to play collegiate basketball, though she ultimately chose to focus on academics. Always a huge sports fan, she had a particular passion for the University of Tennessee, loyal to the Volunteers through both good times and bad. Helen grew up attending the First Presbyterian Church in Huntsville.
Once her grandkids came along, proclaiming her to all as “Granny Smith,” she loved sharing stories with them of her life growing up and her experiences teaching school children. Some of her favorite things were teaching history, watching old westerns, talking sports with whoever would listen, and throwing Mardi Gras beads from her Sharp family float during her hometown of Huntsville’s annual 4th of July parades. Friends and family will always remember Helen’s outgoing personality, her wry sense of humor, and her love for her family.
To minimize risk of Covid-19 exposure, immediate family will be present for a short graveside committal service at Carson Memorial Cemetery, officiated by Brother Kyle Keeton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Huntsville Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall Fund, 185 Woodland Place, Huntsville, TN 37756 or the Museum of Scott County located at 400 Scott High Drive, Huntsville TN, 37756
A special recognition is given to the nurses, doctors and staff at the Park West Medical center COVID unit. Their tender care for patients suffering from COVID-19 goes beyond words.
Jones & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Helen Louise Smith
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