Helen West

Obituary of Helen Divonda West

Helen Swindle West, age 87 a resident of the Hartsville Convalescent Center and formerly of Lafayette passed away on Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Hartsville Convalescent Center. Funeral services for Ms. Helen Swindle West were conducted on Sunday, June 3 at 2 p.m. from the Chapel of Alexander Funeral Home with Elder Terry Austin officiating. Stanley Miller, Dennis Swindle, Elmore Swindle, Brian Swindle, Teddy Swindle, and Jason Swindle served as Pallbearers. Interment followed in the Testament Cemetery. Helen Devonia Swindle West was born on April 14, 1925 in Macon County, Tennessee to the late Joseph Fleeman and Donnie Wheeley Swindle. She was one of five siblings born to this union. Following her mother's passing at an early age, her father went on to remarry and have seven more children. Helen grew up with a very large family. Besides her parents; half-sisters, Sylvia Wheeley, Gaynell Roark, Hazel Jent, Calcie Cook, and Cecil Lonas, half-brothers, Jack Swindle and Benton Swindle, and brothers, Lee Otis Swindle, Grethel Swindle, Wrethel Swindle, and Junior Swindle also preceded her in death. On March 12, 1943, Helen was married to the love of her life, William Teddy West. Helen and William shared 37 years together and raised a son. He also preceded her in death. Helen worked in several garment factories over the years to help take care of her family. When one factory would close down, she would move on to the next one that was hiring. Finally after several years of hard work, she decided that it was time to stay home and become a full-time homemaker. As Ms. Helen's health began to fade, she had to move into a nursing facility. She had spent the last 12 years of her life as a resident of the Hartsville Convalescent Center where she enjoyed socializing with the other residents. She was always eager to talk with anyone that would sit and listen to her. It has been said that she was the life of the nursing home. Most importantly, she was saved by the Grace of God and had united with Haysville Missionary Baptist Church where she remained a member. Helen has finished her labors down here on Earth and is now in Heaven. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Helen is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins too numerous to mention. Alexander Funeral Home, Directors, in charge of arrangements. (615)666-2189 or www.alexanderfh.com