Helen Mears, 80, of Woodbury died Dec. 4.
She was born Nov. 14, 1934 in Woodbury. Her parents were the late Carl Thurman Miller Sr. and Annie Mae (Newby) Miller. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years Wrelv Mears and her brother, Carl Thurman Miller, Jr.
She is survived by her son, Craig Mears of Woodbury; special nephew, Kelly and Jessica Curtis of Short Mountain; daughter, Karen and Ronnie Wimberley of Woodbury; sisters, Vanida Davis of Alexandria, Iretta and Donnie Curtis of Short Mountain and Dorothy Norris of Murfreesboro; special great nieces Ada and Audrey Curtis; two granddaughters, Leslie Honeyman and Lindsey Cleek and two great granddaughters, Sophia Cleek and Lorne Honeyman.
Mrs. Mears grew up and began school in the Center Hill community. She graduated Woodbury Central High School in the class of 1952. She was an active person in family, community and work. Her working life began with the National Life and Casualty Company in Nashville. She married and came back to Woodbury while her husband was in the service. She worked for many different places after moving back; Dr. Wade Winnett’s dentist office, Good Samaritan Hospital, Central State and Colonial Shirt Factory. She truly enjoyed children. She later worked as a cook for the Center Hill School and later became a substitute teacher.
Her family worked together on the farm milking cows, raising tobacco, hogs and chickens. They had a thriving vegetable garden and orchard. She was a devoted Christian and longtime member of Elkins Church of Christ. She found time to crochet and knit. She served as treasurer of the Center Hill Cemetery Trust Fund and worked at the polls for the Cannon County Election Commission.
The funeral was held graveside Saturday at Center Hill Cemetery on Saturday. Herb Alsup officiated. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Center Hill Cemetery Trust Fund or the charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net.
Southern Standard
(McMinnville, Tenn.) Dec. 7, 2014