Helen Sexton Deck Maines

Helen Sexton Deck Maines of Kingsport, slipped into eternal rest Friday, May 11, 2018, at Holston Valley Medical Center, following a brief illness. Helen was born March 7, 1928, in Raven, VA, to the late Norman K. and Gladys Compton Sexton, and she grew up in the Gunnings Community of Sullivan County. She graduated from Blountville High School, class of 1947. In 1961, she realized her childhood dream of becoming a nurse when she graduated from Kingsport School of Nursing. She retired from Holston Valley Medical Center in 1990. Helen was a member of Wheeler United Methodist Church, Blountville, where she was a member of the Pavior Sunday School Class and Susanna Wesley Circle. She loved gardening, preserving the produce from her garden, and preparing delicious meals for her family and friends. Following retirement, she enjoyed travelling in the US, and especially visits to her favorite beach in Garden City, S.C.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Curtis W. Sexton.

Helen is survived by her son, James R. "Jim" Deck; sister, Geraldine S. Riner; sisters-in-law whom she loved as sisters, Anna Sue D. Ervin; Mary Nell D. Carter; and Bernice H. Sexton; nieces, Patsy S. Carroll (Ronald); and Tammy R. Campbell; nephews, Gary W. Sexton (Connie), Ricky L. Sexton (Barbara), David D. Ervin, and Florida nieces and nephews, Michael Carter, Debra C. Seoane, and Teresa C. Perez; and several great and great-great nieces and nephews. Additionally, she is survived by very special friends, Rosa Lee Millsap, Zetta Barnes, Sue Greenwell, Lorraine Taylor, Lindal Frazier, Jane and Charlie Johnson; and Alyson Griffin, and her back-seat buddies at church.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2018, at Wheeler United Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. with Pastor Chris Brown officiating.

Burial will follow at Beulah Community Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Gary Sexton, Rick Sexton, Ronald Carroll, Roger Campbell, Wendell Millsap, and Gary Olinger.

Honorary pallbearers are dear friends, Dannie, Tina, Michael, and Matthew Ford; and teacher, Margaret Keith and members of Pavior Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wheeler United Methodist Church- Portico Fund, 211 Sanders Street, Blountville, TN 37617.

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