Lorena Helms

Mrs. Lorena Butler Murphy Helms, of Jonesboro, died peacefully on Oct. 31, at the age of 93. Lorena is survived by her sons, Don (Barbara) of Decatur, GA; Mickey (Judy) of McDonough, GA; Robin (Connie) of Locust Grove, GA; Doug (Sara) Helms of Snellville, GA; Rick (Starr) Helms of Tyrone, GA; daughter-in-law, Ellen Helms of Covington, GA; grandchildren, Deana (Tim) Graham of Columbus, GA; Jodi Murphy of Charlotte, NC; Pepper Helms of Houston, TX; Chris (Lauran) Murphy of Locust Grove, GA ; Dawn Helms Dalton of Covington, GA; Kelly (Leon) Buice of Jacksonville, FL; Brandon Murphy; Lucas Helms of McDonough, GA; Sarah (Gordon) Smith of Tyrone, GA; Laura Helms of Smyrna, GA; Mary Helms of Denver, CO; 14 great grandchildren, Molly, Emma and Harry Graham; Hayden, Mallory and Hope Helms; Elizabeth and Chandler Murphy; Olivia Dalton; Kalyn and Savanna Buice; Maya and Parker Helms; Mckenzie Smith; many loving nieces and nephews; and friends. She is preceded in death by parents, Curry Butler and Genie Mae Kilgore; husband, Clarence E. Murphy, husband, Theron J. Helms, Jr.; siblings, Lucile Rivers, Nell Ivey, Roland Butler, Catherine Murphy, Billy Butler; son, Theron J. Helms III; grandson, Theron J.Helms IV; great granddaughters, Hannah Elizabeth Helms and Bethany Joy Buice. Daughter of Curry Butler and Genie Mae Kilgore, Lorena was born on November 9, 1920 in Griffin, Georgia. Her early years were spent in the mill village, with great friends and the church she loved, Searcy United Methodist Church. She spent countless joyful hours singing with her five siblings, and they could often be heard on the local radio. In 1937, she graduated from Griffin High School and married Clarence Murphy. Lorena and Clarence had three sons and were together until his death, 45 years later. In 1982, she married Theron Helms, and gained three more sons. They were together until his death in 1999. No stranger to hard work, Lorena’s first job was in the mill in Griffin. Later, she began working at Fort McPherson and enjoyed a fulfilling career. She retired from the federal government in 1972, as Assistant Director of Civilian Personnel. Lively, engaging, determined, and warm, Lorena is remembered for her sense of humor, interest in people, love of travel and her abiding love for her Lord. Traveling the world or playing a game of cards at home with her cherished sisters and friends, her ready laugh was a delight. Whether attending a service at her beloved Jones Memorial United Methodist Church, cooking for others, crocheting a blanket for a new grandchild or someone in need, singing hymns of praise in the church choir, having her morning devotion, or working the daily crossword puzzle, Lorena’s faith in God was always evident. She cherished the memories of her childhood in Griffin, and delighted in passing down the stories of her youth to her family. She was a woman of convictions, and she was not afraid to share them! Always thankful for her many blessings, she loved her life and the many special people in it. At Jones Memorial, Lorena worked tirelessly with the United Methodist Women, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and volunteered endlessly. She treasured her time with friends in her church circle, needlework group, and her sorority, and enjoyed outings of all sorts with the friends she loved. In her later years, Lorena began to write poetry, and she regaled folks in every corner of her world with her thoughtful words. She wrote about the people in her life, the events that touched her, and her beloved Savior. In her last years, she seemed to have a poem in the works at all times! She will be missed by us all. The memorial service for Lorena will be Sunday, November 9 (her Birthday), at 2 p.m. at Jones Memorial United Methodist Church, Lake City, Ga. Visitation will be one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in her memory to the church. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lorena Helms, please visit our flower store.