Helen S. Rainey

CHAPIN – Helen Stuart Rainey passed away at the home of her daughter on Thursday, December 15, 2011, her late son’s birthday, surrounded by her family, exiting this world on the same day she had brought life into it. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 19 at 11 a.m. at Capers Chapel United Methodist Church with a 3:00 p.m. burial in New Silverbrook Cemetery in Anderson, S.C. The family will receive friends at Caughman Harman Funeral Home, Chapin Chapel on Sunday, December 18, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Helen was born in Starr, SC, located in Anderson County, and was the daughter of the late Fred Edley Stuart, Sr. and Alberta Todd Stuart. She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Rainey Cromer (Tony); daughter-in-law, Gale Rainey; brother, Fred Edley Stuart, Jr. (Martha), grandchildren, Sheri Rainey Wooten (Marty), Rodney Cromer, Michael Cromer (Suzann), Crystal Rainey Collum (Chance), and Samantha Delage; great- grandchildren, Brett and Nathan Wooten, Connor and Colton Cromer, Felicity, Seth and Noah Collum; sisters-in-law, Sybil Rainey Hughes and Vern Rainey Alexander. She was predeceased by her husband, Carl Homer Rainey, Sr.; sister, Dorothy Stuart Koon and her son, Carl Homer Rainey, Jr. Helen graduated Valedictorian of her class from Starr High School and also attended Anderson College. She married Carl Homer Rainey, Sr. and moved to Chapin in 1939. She began her sewing career at a very young age crafting beautiful quilts, clothes, and hand work. She owned and operated Helen’s Fabrics in Chapin. She retired from Retail Merchandising. A prominent figure in the community, she was a member of Chapin United Methodist Church for over 60 years. During that time she started the MYF and the Genesis Sunday School Class. For many years she served as Superintendent of Sunday School, President of the UMW and chaired some of the Bazaars. She was a member of the Helen Rainey Circle. The last few years she attended Capers Chapel UMC and made many new friends while worshiping there.

Helen Rainey was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, church member, and friend. She loved to worship and minister to others, always making time to visit the ill, listen to those in need and offer words of wisdom and compassion. She was loved by many and will be missed by all.

The family would like to express our sincere love and gratitude to her caregiver, Vie Wilmont and the staff of Blue Ridge Hospice, Heidi, Susan, Rachel and Eva. Without you this journey would have been impossible and you are truly angels on Earth.

Memorials may be made to Capers Chapel United Methodist Church, 331 Holloway Street, Pomaria, SC 29126 or Blue Ridge Hospice 110 Ministry Drive, Suite B Irmo, SC 29063.