Helen M. Mattox Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Helen M. Mattox, age 90, of Marion, IL, passed away at 10:09 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, in Heartland Regional Medical Center of Marion, IL. She was born in Creal Springs, IL, on Thursday, May 18, 1922, the oldest daughter of Samuel B. and Anie (Tanner) Chamness. Helen was united in marriage to James C. “Jim” Mattox on June 17, 1947, in Piggott, AR and together they experienced their 65th wedding anniversary last month. Along with her husband, Helen was a member of Second Baptist Church in Marion, she had given her life to Christ in 1948 and joined the church at that time. In 1964 they became charter members of Parish Park Baptist Church when it was a mission church from Second Baptist and they both returned to Second Baptist Church in 1988. Helen taught Sunday school for almost forty years at different age levels and was a member of the Truth Seekers Sunday School Class and the Golden Agers Fellowship. She was faithful to her Lord, church and loved to read her Bible and other religious materials. Helen attended Free Silver Grade School near Creal Springs, IL and three years of high school in Creal Springs and was a 1940 graduate of Marion High School. She went on to Southern Illinois University Normal in Carbondale, IL where she received her Education Degree. She taught for three years in one room schools in Williamson County and continued teaching for more than thirty-four years. She was a second grade teacher in the Marion school system, teaching at Washington School at the time of her retirement on May 28, 1982. She was a member of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association. Most important in her life was church and her family. She enjoyed watching her grandsons grow up, and always encouraged them in their many activities and interests. Helen will be missed and remembered by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her husband, James C. “Jim” Mattox of Marion; son and daughter-in-law, Kenton and Martha “Kent and Marty” Mattox of Marion, IL; two grandsons, Aaron Kenton Mattox of Marion, IL and Nathan Scott Mattox and wife, Chloe of Jonesboro, AR; two sisters-in-law, Aileen Cover and Joan Hatton both of Marion, IL, other extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Pauline Blue. Arrangements for Helen M. Mattox were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion, IL. The visitation for the family and friends was from 10:00 a .m. until 12:00 noon on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at the funeral home. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of Helen’s life was presented to the family and friends. Following the time of visitation the funeral service was at 12:00 noon, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home of Marion, IL, with Rev. David Blue officiating, with the eulogy presented by her grandson, Aaron Mattox. The prelude and postlude musical selections were presented by pianist, Shirley Lantrip. Special vocal selections presented during the service were “In the Garden”, “Sweet Beulah Land” and “I’ll Fly Away” all by Danny Ward with pianist, Shirley Lantrip accompanying. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion, IL. Pallbearers were Harry Boyd, Tom Hartwell, Harold Collier, Tom VanHorn, Randy Palmowski and Jim Gulley. After the service the family and friends gathered at Second Baptist Church for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “Second Baptist Church Building Fund”. Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the funeral home or were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959. For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.

Helen M. Mattox

May 18, 1922 - July 10, 2012