Revered and respected educator and musician Helen Elkins passed away Friday at the age of 97.After graduating from the Tennessee College for Women, a forerunner of Belmont University, Mrs. Elkins moved to McMinnville in 1936 and began a teaching career which lasted 38 years and influenced literally thousands of Warren County residents.Charles “Shot” Nunley remembers her as a teacher, church organist and as a faithful Rotary pianist. In fact Mrs. Elkins performed at both venues as recently as three weeks ago. Her work at Rotary gained her an honorary membership and special status as a Paul Harris Fellow for her service to the organization.“I started singing in the choir with her in 1945,” Nunley said.