Townson-Rose Funeral Home

Obituary for Mary Zell Helton


06/10/1936 - 05/07/2017


Mary Zell (Red) Helton, age 80, of Hayesville, NC passed away Sunday May 7, 2017 at her daughter's home in Turtletown, TN after an extended illness.

She was a native of Cherokee County, NC and the daughter of the late Garland Grainger Haney Sr. and Carmen Freddie Cherry Haney. She graduated from high school in 1955. Mary Zell had been a secretary and tax assistant for over 50 years in her husband, James Helton's accounting office. She was a member of the South End Baptist Church and the Josephine Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. Mary Zell had traveled all 50 states with her husband James and daughter, Michelle.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Garland Haney, Jr; and sister, Claudena Byers Twiggs.

She is survived by her husband of almost 62 years, James C. Helton; daughter, Michelle Thomas and husband Kevin of Turtletown, TN; many special nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters-in-law.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.


You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com