Helen Atherton

Helen Atherton, 91, of Sunrise Lenox Park, passed peacefully into heaven early March 16, 2014. She was the daughter of the late Dr. and M rs. Henry Grady Atherton of Jasper, Ga. Mrs. Bettie Lee Atherton was the former Bettie Lee Swann of Conyers, Ga. Helen liked to tell people she worked for Southern Bell "42 years 7 months and 12 days." She began her career as an operator and became an executive secretary for a State Department Head. Helen served on the Board of Telco Credit Union and was also very involved with the Telephone Pioneers holding several officer positions. In 1938 Helen joined First United Methodist Church in Atlanta and became a faithful member of her beloved Wesley Adult Sunday School Class and UMW. Helen loved to travel with her friends and was blessed to visit many parts of the world including Egypt, Israel, Denmark, Sweden, Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada.

Epworth By The Sea was one of her favorite destinations. Surviving are her sister-in-law Dolores Atherton, 2 nieces, Mary Atherton Dye (Mercer Dye, Jr.), Marcia Atherton Sandbach, great niece, Jennifer Atherton Dye Parker (Kelly Parker), and 2 great-great nephews, Gabriel and Gavin Parker, all of Atlanta. She was preceded in death by brothers Harry K. Atherton and James H. Atherton. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 19, at 11 o’clock at the First United Methodist Church of Atlanta with Dr. Charles Gardner officiating. The family will receive friends at 10 o’clock prior to the service. Interment will be at 2 o’clock at the Jasper City Cemetery in Jasper, Ga. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church (Helen Atherton Memorial Fund) 360 Peachtree St. Atlanta, Ga. 30308 or to Jasper City Cemetery, 951 N. Main Street , Jasper, Ga. 30143. Online condolences may be made at hmpattersonspringhill.com.