Helen Moon Cashwell

Helen was born December 27, 1920, in Liberty, Missouri, and was adopted by Edward and Elizabeth Moon when only two weeks old. She grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, where her father was a pastor. Helen graduated from Louisville Girls High School in 1938 and then moved to Richmond, Virginia, to study music at Westhampton College. She transferred to Mars Hill College in 1939, where she met Thomas Leary “T.L.” Cashwell Jr. Helen and T.L. wed August 24, 1944. When they welcomed their two children, she devoted herself fully to her family and to serving selflessly alongside T.L. in his ministry.

They came to Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh in 1964 where the congregation became their second family. The two were inseparable: “T.L. and Helen” was practically one word. Helen was deeply involved in the mission program and held various leadership roles. She was later recognized for her years of service when the Raleigh Baptist Association named its Woman’s Missionary Union room in her honor.

Helen and T.L. remained loyal members of Hayes Barton even after his retirement in 1985. She eventually became a fulltime caregiver to T.L., who lost his battle with Alzheimer’s disease in 2003.

Helen cherished the fellowship of her dear friends. She was known in her community for her graceful demeanor, sense of humor, and remarkably good health. Her greatest joy was her immediate family, whom she loved dearly. She took immense pride in the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and their spouses. She was particularly thrilled to be a part of all her grandchildren’s weddings and to welcome the births of five great-grandchildren. She will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who adoringly called her “Gran.”

In her nearly 102 years, Helen was a blessing to many. Her warmth, poise, and unwavering faith will remain a source of inspiration to the countless people who knew and loved her.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law Bob Jenkins.

She is survived by two children, Tom (Nancy) Cashwell and Susan Jenkins; four grandchildren, Sarah (Jason) Strickland, Taylor (Meggan) Cashwell, Jason (Lauren) Jenkins, and Cashwell (Nick) Boykin; and five great-grandchildren, Nora Strickland, Watson Boykin, Theodore Cashwell, Haviland Jenkins, and Leary Boykin.

A celebration of life will be held at Hayes Barton Baptist Church on Monday, December 19th at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hayes Barton Baptist Church Television Ministry, 1800 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27608.

Services are being provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC 27605.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownwynneraleigh.com for the Cashwell family.