Born into a quiet time though not a quiet family, Helen was the fifth of six children to join this joyful brood. She was blessed to live most of her life within six miles of the family farmhouse in rural Tucker, Georgia and spent the last twelve years of her life in Macon to be closer to her children. Helen was cheerful, always smiling, always serving, always considering how she could meet another’s needs. To spend time with her was to be warmed and nourished.
Part of the Greatest Generation, Helen married George Whiting after the Big War and established their home in Decatur where they lived for 63 years. With quiet strength, they navigated the rolling ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, launching two daughters into a bright and auspicious future. The reward and God’s blessing was six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, a truly remarkable return. Her home was always open, especially to these loved ones, but also to myriad visitors through the years. Her table was renowned, her fried chicken unmatched, her biscuits perfection.
Helen loved her Lord and cherished his Word. She read and studied the Bible unfailingly through the years, filling her copy with notes on God’s love and redemption. She and George were committed members of Briarlake Baptist Church in Decatur for 40 years, and of Wesleyan Road Baptist Church in Macon until her death. She glorified Christ in life; He has glorified her in death.
She treasured her family and nurtured them always. Preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, George, and by her grandson Mark Hensley, Helen is survived by her daughters Kathy (Steve) Hensley of Macon, Julia (Doug) Greene of Americus, and five grandchildren: Janelle (Chris) Holton of Mableton, Rachel Greene of West Chicago, Laura (Bo) Harris of Forsyth, Mitchell (Cally) Greene of Marietta, and Philip (Virginia) Greene of Dallas, Georgia. Eleven great grandchildren are scattered amongst them. Her sister Nell Rominger resides in Birmingham, Alabama.
Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road in Macon has charge of the arrangements.
A memorial service will be held in the chapel of First Presbyterian Church, Macon at 2:30pm Sunday, August 21. A graveside service will be observed at 11:00am Monday, August 22 at Melwood Cemetery, Stone Mountain.
Those desiring may make a memorial contribution to Wesleyan Drive Baptist Church, 939 Wesleyan Drive, Macon, GA 31210.
