Helen Margaret Oakes

She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother who faithfully pointed her family to the Lord. Helen was a long time member of Valley Grove Baptist Church where she was a dedicated member of the Willing Workers Sunday School Class. She retired from KUB after 25 years of service. Helen was an enthusiastic supporter of the Vols. She enjoyed sewing, cooking and gardening in her spare time.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, William "Bill" A. Oakes; son, William "Bill" Gary Oakes; parents: George and Myrtle Goan; brothers, John and George David Goan and sister, Dot Davis.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Karen (Danny) Gourley; grandchildren: Brandon, Shane (Leslie) Gourley, Nikki (Andy) Howe, Mac (Amanda) Oakes; great grandchildren: Connor, Audrey, Braeson, Carter, and Emersyn; special daughter in law, Peggy Oakes; step grandchildren, Chris (Carla), Patrick (Lynn), Brittany, Dylan, Jessie, Tucker and Ben Reece; brother: Gene (Charlene) Goan, Marilyn (Bill) Miller and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Friday, June 21, 2024 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville with a service to begin at 12:00 PM with Rev. Keith Vaughn officiating. Family and friends will then go in procession to Woodlawn Cemetery, 4500 Woodlawn Pike, Knoxville for an interment service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Valley Grove Baptist Church, 9000 Sevierville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Oakes family at www.berryfuneralhome.com.