Helen May Tunnell

Franklin -Helen May Tunnell, our beloved mother, 94 years old, went to be with Jesus on April 18, 2012. Formerly of Kansas City, Missouri, she moved to Franklin, NC in 1992. For the past two years, Helen resided at the Fidelia Eckerd Living Center in Highlands, NC. She was preceded in death by her husband, James David Tunnell, baby daughter Margaret, parents Alva Ross and Beulah May McKay, and brothers Harry McKay, Rev. Adrian McKay and Dr. Donald McKay.

Mrs. Tunnell was a nurse and worked at John Knox Village in Lee’s Summit, Missouri for several years. She had a special love for the elderly and that was her favorite area of nursing. She was a member of Cowee Baptist Church in Franklin, NC. She was formerly a member of Southview Baptist Church for many years in Raytown, Missouri. Helen enjoyed working with the "Better Hearing Group" to improve hearing for the hearing impaired. She loved Bible study with friends, reading, bowling, traveling, and watching baseball (especially Braves baseball). Helen had taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School in past years. She was Valedictorian of her High School Class and always had a love of learning.

Surviving are three children, Judith Williams and husband Dan of Tonganoxie, Kansas, Joel David and wife Phyllis of Arkadelphia, Arkansas and Sharon Robison and husband Robbie of Franklin, NC; fourteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Floral Hills, Monday, April 23 at 12:00 Noon at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri.

Helen’s dear friends and family will gather to affirm and honor her unique and loving life with praise and blessing. The family will receive friends from 11:00-12:00 Noon, Monday, April 23 for visitation prior to the funeral at Floral Hills. Burial will be at Floral Hills in Kansas City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Scarlet Cord Food Ministry, 1423 Huddleston or Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923 or Cowee Baptist Church, 6301 Bryson City Road, Franklin, NC 28734.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.