Yvonne Clifton Helton

Yvonne Clifton Helton, 81, recently of Memphis, TN and from Sylacauga, AL, died January 31, 2017. She was the daughter of James D. and Anna Mae Clifton of Hollins, AL.

Through the years, she held multiple work roles, from assistant to the high school principal, to   an apartment complex manager and on a hospital security team. But most importantly to her, she was the wife of her husband of 50 years, Harold Dean Helton, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and an active church volunteer.

She was always active in her local church, serving as a leader and member of Women’s Missionary Union, as a Bible study teacher and volunteering in many capacities; in her community of Jacksonville, AL, where her children grew up; and in Sylacauga, AL. She participated in multiple mission trips with her husband and in her later years with her son’s church.

She always ministered to her extended family, friends, and senior citizens, by visiting, writing cards, and calling to check in on others, always taking an interest in their health and well-being. She never met a stranger and was known for her delightful sense of humor. Her Christian witness was genuine and caring. She joined Hollins Methodist Church as a saved Christian at the age of 13 and was baptized as an adult at Mignon Baptist Church, Sylacauga, AL.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold Helton; two sisters, Dellar Robinson and Obera Solley; and two brothers, O.B. Clifton and Ivy Clifton. She is survived by her children – Marilyn (Bob) Kuhn, of Indianapolis, IN; Gilda Coker, of Birmingham, AL; and Les (Lisa) Helton, of Collierville, TN;  6 grandchildren, who call her “Mimmie”, Kristin (Andrew) Odom, Austin (Savannah) Coker, Karah Helton, Dean (Adleye) Helton, Doug Helton and Kaylee Helton; two great-grandsons, Cayden and Bennett Odom; her brother, Franklin (Jeanette) Clifton of Sylacauga, AL, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at Collierville First Baptist Church on Friday, February 3, at 11:00 am. On Saturday, February 4, in Sylacauga, AL, there will be visitation at Radney-Smith Funeral Home at 1:00 pm and a graveside burial service at 2:00 pm. Arrangements are being handled by Radney-Smith Funeral Home. If you would like to honor her life, make a donation to the mission fund of First Baptist Church, Sylacauga, AL, or Collierville (TN) First Baptist Church, the Gideons, the Care House in Sylacauga, or to missions in your church.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneysmith.com.

Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, AL will direct the services.