Helen Louise Langstaff

Helen Louise Neumeister Langstaff, age 90, a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend passed away peacefully Sunday morning June 16th surrounded by Witt, her devoted husband of 69 years and her loving family.

She adored her husband Witt and together they created a home where everyone was welcomed. She was a loving mother who devoted her life to raising her five children and embracing every new member of her growing family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren gave her tremendous joy and she took great pleasure in being actively engaged in their lives. In addition to her family, Helen developed deep and lasting friendships throughout her life.

Not only did Helen love her family and friends, she had a great love for nature and all creation. Some of her favorite activities included tennis, water sports, bridge, gardening, sewing, knitting, snow skiing, hiking, camping, and extensive travel with her family. She had an extra special place in her heart for dogs and flowers. Helen’s beautiful, kind and compassionate spirit was reflected in her incredible smile. She had a unique ability for making people feel special with her warm embrace, always bringing out the best in others. One of her greatest gifts was the gift of generous hospitality. Helen entertained with grace and style paying special attention to holidays, birthdays and milestones making even the smallest gathering special.

Helen was actively involved in the community through her church, bridge clubs, supper clubs, dance clubs and tennis groups. She had a strong positive impact through her leadership in scouting for many years. Her recognition as Clemson University’s Mother of the Year in 1977 reflected what an exceptional person she was.

Helen was born August 17,1928 to Carl and Hildegard Neumeister in Chicago, Illinois and spent her formative years in River Forest, Ill. She graduated from Duke University in 1950 with a BS in Physical Education and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.

She is survived by her husband Witt Irion Langstaff, sister Marie Minderhout, son Witt Langstaff Jr (wife Beth), daughter Jamie Schettino, son George Langstaff (wife Nancy), daughter Sara Masters (husband Tom), daughter Lindy Cutshall (husband Ken), 19 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on July 9th from 6 to 8 PM at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home in Kingsport. The family invites you to join them for a celebration of Helen’s life in a memorial service at 11:00AM on July 10th at First Broad Street United Methodist Church in Kingsport.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660, Barter Theatre, 127 W. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210, or an organization of your choice.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Asbury Place and Baysmont House for their loving and compassionate care.