Helen Helton Cloninger

HELEN HELTON CLONINGER, age 75, of Jefferson City, TN passed away peacefully June 19, 2011 following a brief illness. For the past 19 years, Helen immersed herself in mission work in Benin, West Africa, where she was able to raise funds to build a medical clinic, a school, and an orphanage. After 20 years of being separated, Helen and Raymond were reunited in heaven on their 57th wedding anniversary. Preceded in death by husband, Raymond V. Cloninger; parents, Roy and Opal Helton; and sister, Juanita Lamb. Survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Renee` and Rex McSpadden of Dandridge, and Joan and Tim Jones of Jefferson City; special son and daughter-in-law, Michel and Mirelle Houemagnon, Benin, West Africa; beloved grandchildren, Brad and Heather Jones, Alan and Rebecca McSpadden, Ashley Jones and Sarah Metzger; great-grandchildren, Jacob and Katie McSpadden, Lilly Spence, Caden and Ryan Metzger; special grandchildren, Gi, Bonnie, Helen and Joanren Houemagnon; sisters, Margie (Earl) Marks and Joanne (Marvin) Henson; brothers, Roy (Deanna) Helton, Les (Margie) Helton, Darrell (Anita) Helton, and Steve (Jan) Helton; special brother-in-law, Burl E. Cloninger; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; dear friends, Rev. Robert and Sherry Schooley. Helen touched many lives and will be greatly missed by family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2011 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Jefferson City with Rev. Robert Schooley, Dr. Sonny Strange and Pastor Michel Houemagnon officiating. Family will receive friends at the church from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Economy United Methodist Church, Benin Fund, P. O. Box 14071, Morristown, TN 37814-0001. ARRANGEMENTS BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME IN JEFFERSON CITY, TN 865-475-3892