Helen O. Calhoun, 73, Johnson City, ran into the arms of her Lord and Savior after a brief illness, at the Johnson City Medical Center. Helen was a native of Erwin, TN and had lived in Johnson City for the past seventeen years. She was a daughter of the late Albert and Ruth Tipton O'Brien.
Helen was employed as an X-Ray Technician at Erwin Memorial Hospital for 35 years before retiring in 1996. She was an active member of Unaka Avenue Baptist Church where she taught children's Sunday school, bible school, was a choir member and a member of the pastoral search committee. Helen was a member of the Board of Directors of the Watauga Valley Historical Railroad Society and a volunteer for the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital.
Helen was a happy person who loved to laugh and adored her husband and grand and great grandchildren. She was known by them as "GiGi" and loved playing with them and teaching them about Jesus. She also enjoyed serving the Lord, gardening, family gatherings, traveling, playing the piano, singing, talking with her friends and all church activities. She leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted husband, Jim Calhoun; Jim's children, who became her children, Leland Calhoun and wife, Linda, Singapore, Dennis Calhoun and wife, Lisa, Jonesborough and Joy Beth Foster and husband, Mark, Johnson City; grandchildren, Philip Calhoun, Laura Persenaire and husband, Steve, Casey Calhoun and wife Jennifer, Tara Whitson, Valerie Lee and husband, Mitchell and Jarrod Foster; her precious great grandchildren, Jacob Whitson, Julia Persenaire, Katie Persenaire, Damen Licker, Calvin Lee, Christian Lee and Colin Lee and her grand dog, Giselle.
The family will greet guests and share memories from 5-7 PM Sunday, May 11, 2014 at Tetrick Funeral and Cremation Services, Johnson City, TN. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00 PM. Reverend Jeff Alford will officiate. Graveside and committal services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, May 12, 2014 at Washington County Memory Gardens under the direction of Reverend Tim Tapp. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the funeral home at 10:30 AM. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Helen's family expresses a special thanks to all friends, family, and loved ones during this time. Also a special thanks to the nurses and staff members that she developed a friendship with during her stay at Johnson City Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Unaka Avenue Baptist Church, 1213 East Unaka Baptist Church, Johnson City, TN 37601, The American Diabetes Association, TN Affiliate, Inc., 4205 Hillsboro Road, Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37215 or the American Cancer Society, 508 Princeton Road, Johnson City, TN 37601. Online memories and condolences may be shared through www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral and Cremation Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604 (423)61-7171 is serving the family.