Helene was born on October 5, 1929 in New Orleans, LA. She was the daughter of Daniel and Sadie Dunn. As the only daughter of their five children, she enjoyed being her daddy’s little princess.
Helene was preceded in death by her husband, Don H. Smith, who continued the tradition of celebrating her as a princess. They enjoyed 40 wonderful years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by a great granddaughter, Lyndi Suzanne Allen of Eads, and three brothers, Dan Dunn of Florida, Neil Dunn of Selmer, and Jerry Dunn of Texas. Helene is survived by her daughter Yvonne (Keith) Allen of Oakland, and her grandchildren, Kristy Helene Allen of Cordova and Brandon (Rachel) Allen of Eads, Lauren (Steve) Rorex of New Orleans, and Lindsey Young of Germantown, as well as several great-grandchildren: Katie Allen, Gavin Allen, Tyler Allen, Jenna Lyn Allen, Ellie Fradella, Kayleigh Fradella, Madison Fradella, Hudson Fradella, and Wes Rorex. She is also survived by her older brother, Al Dunn, of Texas.
Helene Dunn Smith passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Prior to her illness, she was a very active member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church where she enjoyed worshipping with her fellow believers.
Helene and Don were avid horseback riders and traveled extensively, engaging in competitive shows. They spent several years on the Tennessee River houseboating on the weekends. Helene was passionate about dancing, winning a couple of competitions in her earlier years. She continued her love of dancing to the very end, dancing holding on to her walker. The last few months when she was confined to a wheelchair, she still boogied in her wheelchair to the beat of the music. She loved to crochet baby blankets that she made for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and pregnant young friends. They are truly a cherished heirloom.
After college she became a stewardess for Chicago Southern Airlines that later became Delta Airlines. She stood on her tip toes to stretch herself to the 5’2” minimum height required to become a stewardess. When she met the love of her life and decided to get married, she quit her job due to the fact that stewardesses were required to be single at that time. She then began her career at Equitable where she eventually became office manager of the real estate investment department. When her husband retired as Inspector from the Memphis Police Department, they moved to Selmer, TN to enjoy the stress-free country living. They stayed in Selmer until her husband passed away. At that time, she moved back to Memphis with her daughter, Yvonne, and her husband, Keith.
As a certified Stephens Ministry mentor, she would want each of you to know the love of Jesus Christ and share that love with others. “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” – Ephesians 4:32.
Her visitation will be at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, November 27th at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 2949 Davies Plantation Road in Lakeland, TN. The funeral service will be at 2 pm at St. Paul’s officiated by Dr. Brad Thomas. Burial will immediately follow at Bartlett-Ellendale Cemetery located at 7044 Memphis Arlington Road in Bartlett.
