She was born December 31, 1929 in Clay County, West Virginia, a daughter of the late Daniel Comer and Della Johnson Comer.
Helen was a devoted member of the 19th Street Church of God, where she held the special distinction of being the church’s oldest living member. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher for 40 years, touching the lives of many through her dedication and love for the Lord. In her free time, Helen enjoyed sewing, gardening, and caring for her lawn. She took great pride in the things she loved and found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Helen will be deeply missed by her family, church family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched throughout the years.
Those left behind to cherish her memory include her son, Larry (Selma) Friesel of Utica, OH; daughters, Linda Carpenter of Parkersburg, WV, Julie (Paul) Collins of Parkersburg, WV; grandchildren, Christy (John) Preston, Dyan Carpenter, Matthew (Amy) Collins, Erica Yost; great-grandchildren, Alex (Tyler) Keith, Grant (Lindsey) Preston, Daniel Preston, Juliana, Anna, Farrah, Asa Yost, Sophie, William Collins, Raelynn Brinker; great-great grandchildren, Kohen, Karson, Kyler Keith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Lawrence Lee Friesel; second husband, Clyde “Skip” Yarnell; brothers, Kelly Comer, Kenny Comer; sisters, Jeanne Miller, Dixie Haverty, Pearl Nutt, Icie Miller; grandson, Jon Marc Carpenter and son-in-law, Richard Carpenter.
Funeral services will be 11 AM Friday September 11, 2026 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be 4 PM to 7 PM Thursday September 10, 2026 at the funeral home.
In honor of Helen’s memory, the family asks that donations be made to an organization that was especially dear to her heart, St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
An online guestbook for condolences is available at www.sunsetparkersburg.com
Sunset Memorial Funeral Home is honored to assist the Yarnell family.
