Helen Elizabeth Tanksley

Helen Elizabeth Tanksley was born into this world on May 9, 1937. She was one of six children born to the late Lonnie and Alice Hayes in Senoia. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Charlie (Betty) Hayes, Dorothy Hayes (George) Jacobs, Floyd (Margaret) Hayes, Alfred (Gloria) Hayes, and Evelyn Hayes (Clyde) Blair. Surviving out of this group of siblings is her sister-in-law, Gloria Hayes. Helen was a devout lover of life. She enjoyed black coffee and a good book. Being a voracious reader, she immersed herself in the stacks of literature she consumed. The sun never set on a day that Helen did not sit with her Bible and seek wisdom from its blessed word. It is doubtful that anyone could have enjoyed more the warm sunshine and the challenge of growing her flower gardens than did Helen. She was one of those who could take a low branch on a favorite plant, put a rock on top of it to force contact with the soil, and voila, in a few weeks she would be rewarded with a new plant. It was as if she saw her property as a blank canvas, and it was up to her to make it glorious. And that she did joyfully. Helen gave the same type of dedication to her skills in the kitchen. One would want to be her friend or relative because there was an inexhaustible supply of biscuits, pies, cakes of every size and flavor imaginable. Growing up, Helen was inspired by her family's amazing work ethic. She poured her heart into everything she did. Her faith was central to her life as she knew that every good thing in life came only as a gift from the God she loved and worshiped at Freeman Memorial United Methodist Church. Helen would always say that she had a long and happy life and family. If she knew of someone who had a need, she would be the first to help or give a hand up. She would admit that her early years were indeed hard times, but the hard times were outweighed by the many blessings in her life. In addition to her husband, James Alvin Tanksley, Helen was preceded in death by her sons, Benny (Dora Hayes survives) Hayes, Alvin Ernest Tanksley, and Joel Thomas Tanksley. Helen will always be a light in the darkness for her grandchildren Lindy Hayes and Lindsey Brown, and Ashley Rae Desjardin. Her great grandchildren are Benjamin Desjardin, Gethan Rohrbaugh and Dylan Rogers. This life story would not be complete without including her cat, Midnight. Helen Elizabeth Tanksley would qualify to be compared to a Proverbs woman as in Proverbs 31. This woman would ask God for wisdom, strength, and a Godly character, focusing on obeying the Lord, serving her family with diligence, extending kindness to the poor, managing her home wisely, speaking with grace, aiming to be a blessing to her husband and children, rather than perfection. Helen's book has been written. If there is a sequel, it will be in the lives of those she loved and nurtured. Amen. Family and friends will gather at McKoon Funeral Home and Crematory, 38 Jackson Street, Newnan GA 30263 on Tuesday, January 6th. An opportunity to greet Helen's family will begin at 11:00 AM. The service to honor her life will commence at 1:00 PM and will be led by Reverend Winston Skinner. A private interment will be at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery, where other family members have been laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to The Newnan Theatre Company, newnantheatre.org. Because of her affection for animals please consider HelpSpayNeuter.org, a local service to help control our pet population. Online sympathy may be expressed at www.McKoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home and Crematory 770-253-4580.

Helen Elizabeth Tanksley

May 9, 1937 - December 31, 2025