Helen Blanton Gilchrist
October 1, 1927 — July 10, 2015
Helen Blanton Gilchrist, 87, of Columbus, GA died Friday, July 10, 2015 at her residence. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Monday, July 13, 2015 at McMullen Funeral Home Chapel, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the funeral home.
Mrs. Gilchrist was born October 1, 1927 in Early County, GA. She was the daughter of the late William Claude and Edna Dykes Blanton. She was the matriarch of 5 generations. It is not often that kids can say they have a great, great grandmother.
Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Gilchrist; sons, Infant Curtis Paul Jr., Gene Everette Paul; and brothers James "Whitey" Edwin Blanton, J.W. Blanton.
Survivors include a daughter, Lynda Blount (Jim) of Dothan, AL; daughter-in-law Gayle Paul; sister, Nadine Blanton of Columbus, GA; grandchildren, Cricket Lee (Dennis), Curtis Paul (Lili), Dannette Sumera (Larry), Dr. Terri Wyrosdick, Jimmy Deal (Carol), and Dr. Michael Paul (Mary); special niece, Connie Rogers (Chad); 12 great grandchildren, 11 great great grandchildren, and and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Born in a generation when many women were expected to just stay in the home, Mema, or Miss Helen, as many called her, did so many remarkable things: from textile mill worker to owner/operator of a farm, frame shop, beauty salon, and restaurant. She always met any challenge head on with courage. She met her ultimate challenge of terminal illness with the same courage.
She was known for much more than her work ethic and commitment to serve others. Growing up, we all had the privilege of watching this beautiful lady serve God more faithfully than anyone we know, with the exception of her sister, Aunt Dean. This week, we were reminded of many things. She loved church, she loved Sunday school and she loved WAC, Women Active for Christ, the Free Will Baptist Women's Auxiliary. Since her retirement, in the 80s, she was able to attend local, district, state and national WAC meetings. She is currently a faithful member of Calvary FWBC, Columbus.
Mema was an avid Bible reader and because of her love for the Word, she read through the Bible many times, in addition to her daily bible study and devotional.
She always went to church, no matter how she felt, if she was physically able to go, she was there. Many people stay home from church due to a headache, late night or they just don't feel like going, not Mema. We had the great honor of escorting her to church for the last time. She was so weak, we had to lift her and put her in the wheelchair. She sat through church and although it wore her out, she said it was worth it. She never got out of her bed after that trip to church. She remained faithful to the very end.
Flowers will be accepted, those so desiring may make contributions to Calvary Freewill Baptist Church, 6165 Billings Rd, Columbus, GA 31909
3874 Gentian Blvd.
Columbus, GA, 31907
Mrs. Gilchrist was born October 1, 1927 in Early County, GA. She was the daughter of the late William Claude and Edna Dykes Blanton. She was the matriarch of 5 generations. It is not often that kids can say they have a great, great grandmother.
Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Gilchrist; sons, Infant Curtis Paul Jr., Gene Everette Paul; and brothers James "Whitey" Edwin Blanton, J.W. Blanton.
Survivors include a daughter, Lynda Blount (Jim) of Dothan, AL; daughter-in-law Gayle Paul; sister, Nadine Blanton of Columbus, GA; grandchildren, Cricket Lee (Dennis), Curtis Paul (Lili), Dannette Sumera (Larry), Dr. Terri Wyrosdick, Jimmy Deal (Carol), and Dr. Michael Paul (Mary); special niece, Connie Rogers (Chad); 12 great grandchildren, 11 great great grandchildren, and and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Born in a generation when many women were expected to just stay in the home, Mema, or Miss Helen, as many called her, did so many remarkable things: from textile mill worker to owner/operator of a farm, frame shop, beauty salon, and restaurant. She always met any challenge head on with courage. She met her ultimate challenge of terminal illness with the same courage.
She was known for much more than her work ethic and commitment to serve others. Growing up, we all had the privilege of watching this beautiful lady serve God more faithfully than anyone we know, with the exception of her sister, Aunt Dean. This week, we were reminded of many things. She loved church, she loved Sunday school and she loved WAC, Women Active for Christ, the Free Will Baptist Women's Auxiliary. Since her retirement, in the 80s, she was able to attend local, district, state and national WAC meetings. She is currently a faithful member of Calvary FWBC, Columbus.
Mema was an avid Bible reader and because of her love for the Word, she read through the Bible many times, in addition to her daily bible study and devotional.
She always went to church, no matter how she felt, if she was physically able to go, she was there. Many people stay home from church due to a headache, late night or they just don't feel like going, not Mema. We had the great honor of escorting her to church for the last time. She was so weak, we had to lift her and put her in the wheelchair. She sat through church and although it wore her out, she said it was worth it. She never got out of her bed after that trip to church. She remained faithful to the very end.
Flowers will be accepted, those so desiring may make contributions to Calvary Freewill Baptist Church, 6165 Billings Rd, Columbus, GA 31909
Funeral Service
JUL 13. 11:00 AM (EDT)
McMullen Funeral Home Chapel3874 Gentian Blvd.
Columbus, GA, 31907
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