Helen Thibault Dorsey

Helen Thibault Dorsey, 89, died peacefully at home Friday, July 29, 2016. She was born December 8, 1926 on Boca Grande Island, Florida, to Sam and Maude Stewart and grew up in Myakka City, Florida.

Her mother, who valued education for all children, and especially women, wanted Helen to graduate from an accredited high school, so she sent her, as a teenager, to Little Rock, Arkansas to live with an older brother and finish high school. While in Little Rock, she met and married Felix Thibault, Sr. and they had three children. She continued her education, ultimately earning a Bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Master's degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, majoring in music and education. After her husband's untimely death, she held down three jobs to support and care for her young children. She taught junior high school vocal music, was a church organist, and gave private piano lessons. She devoted her life to her children and greatly influenced and inspired almost everyone with whom she came in contact. She lived a life that exuded love, acceptance, strength and empowerment. Helen subsequently married Joe Hall and then Raymond Dorsey, and was happiest when caring for others.

She and husband, Raymond moved to Kingsport several years ago to be near her daughter. Helen was a member of First Baptist Church where she made many dear friends, was active in the senior program, and sang in the senior choir until health issues intervened. The last few years of her life were marred by declining health and then the ravages of Alzheimer's.

In addition to her parents and three husbands, she was preceded in death by five brothers and one sister, her grown sons, Felix Thibault, Jr., and the Rev. Stewart W. Thibault, and an infant son.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Lenita H. Thibault, M.D. of Kingsport; grandchildren, JayLynn Thibault (Chad Ledet) of Texas, Heather (Jason) Harper and Felix Raymond (Erin) Thibault of Louisiana, and Wendy (Jim) Kane and Matt (Hilari) Thibault of Arkansas; 13 great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Betty Jo Thibault of Arkansas and Phyllis Thibault of Louisiana; and many beloved extended family.

Special thanks are extended to her primary caregivers, Sheila and Ruby, who cared for and loved her as though she were their own. Thanks also to Dr. David Ginn who took such good care of her, and to Sun Crest Hospice who greatly helped with her final transition.

Helen will be buried in Little Rock, Arkansas next to her first husband and father of her children. The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to the music ministry of First Baptist Church, 200 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660 or to the charity of their choice.