Helen Rutherford

Helen Francis Rutherford (Johns), age 84, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born in Coal Creek, TN on October 24, 1933. Helen grew up in a loving home raised by grandmother Fannie Dyer and uncle William Dyer. She was of the Methodist faith and very involved with the church community. Helen worked for many years at the Globe Drugstore, Holiday Inn and Museum of Appalachia until she retired to take care of her ailing uncle Bill. Helen lived her last few years in LaFollette loving cared for by special caregiver Cora Huckaby and family.

Helen is preceded in death by first husband Lowell Phillips, second husband Ray Rutherford, parents Clay Evans Johns and Irene Elizabeth Johns (Dyer), grandmother Fannie Francis Dyer, and uncle William Grant Dyer.

She is survived by son Lynn Phillips, daughter Valerie Phillips Richardson, stepson Gerald Phillips, grandson Jody Phillips and wife Shannon, granddaughters Vanessa Voyles and husband Rob and Sarah Turner and husband Derek, 4 great-grandchildren and 2 step great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Helen always desired to donate her body to Alzheimer’s research therefore a funeral and burial will not be held. A memorial service in her memory will be held at Jacksboro Methodist Church at 3pm on Saturday, August 4, 2018.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, Jacksboro Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.

Obit by Martin Wilson Funeral Home “Where Families Matter Most”

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