Mary Helen (Hembree) West

Mary Helen Hembree West, age 81, of Huntsville, TN, passed to her Heavenly home on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at the Oneida Nursing and Rehab Center.  Born in Scott County, TN, on July 1, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Rufus and Alma Griffith Hembree.  She was a member of the White Rock Baptist Church. She loved her church and church family, especially the gospel music.  She always said that some good gospel music could light a fire so the preacher could bring a message. 

Mary graduated from the First LPN class taught in Scott County.  Bea Huff was the instructor.  After graduating, she worked in Scott Co. Hospital and Nursing Home, then became nurse for Scott County Schools.  She then moved to Campbell Co. and worked at Lake City Nursing Home until she retired.  She also worked with the Unicorn Club.  While at home she would occupy her time doing crafts.  She loved to cook for her family, grow vegetables and flowers.  She would take many pictures of her flowers.  She loved visits from her family, especially her great grandchildren, as they were so precious to her.  She always had surprises for them.  Tim Lay and Gary Sexton are friends of her son Tim who adopted her and called her mom.  

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband:  Donald Glen West, Sr., grandson:  Brandon Woodward; great granddaughter:  Zoey Goad; nephew:  Gary Ray Hembree; brothers:  Howard Henry Hembree, and J. R. Hembree and wife Anna Ruth; an infant sister:  Velda Sharon Hembree; several uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Mary is survived by her sons:  Rick Woodward and wife Teresa of Jacksboro, and Timothy Woodward and fiancée Hannah Sexton of Huntsville; Jeffery Scott Woodward and friend Brenda of Huntsville, Michael Woody Woodward of KY; brother, Gerald David Hembree and wife Etta of Huntsville; sister-in-law:  Eloise Hembree of IN; grandchildren:  Ashton Jones, Christina Dawn Adkins and husband Jeremy, Meagan Brook Woodward, Joshua Michel Woodward, Alma Leigh Woodward, and Maranda Byrge and husband Zac; great grandchildren:  Jaiden Jones, Elias Littlejohn, Madison Faye Choa, David Adkins, Braylee Lowe, Jazyln Stephens, Brennon Woodward, Mahria Goad, Shailee Goad, Mya Byrge, Carlie Woodward, Gavin Haize Woodward, Raelynn Byrge, and several step great grandchildren; nieces and nephews:  Verhonda Hembree, Kim Hammock, Patrick Hembree, Melinda Deal, Jimmy Hembree, Carlie Hembree, Matthew Deal, Mason Deal, Eric Hembree and Logan Hembree, other family members and friends.  Her quote was “I’ll be waiting for you at the Crossing”.

Friends may visit with the West family on Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. until time of funeral service at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Jones & Son Funeral Home with Bro. Jim West and Bro. Patrick Sexton officiating.  Music will be provided by the Brimstone Boys, and Nancy and Daniel Murley.

Burial will follow in the Mossop Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be:  Stewart Terry, Zac Byrge, Jeremy Adkins, Jimmy Hembree, Evan Littlejohn, Chuck Cross, Cody Wilson, Patrick Sexton and David Michael Smith.

Jones & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Mary Helen Hembree West.

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