Helen Laverne Keith

Helen Keith, 93, of Fort Smith went to be with her heavenly Father on Wednesday, March 29, 2017. She was born November 21, 1923 to the late Willie and Oma Vaughn of Fort Smith. Helen’s smile, kindness and loving nature will be remembered by all who knew her. She was genuinely a good person with a beautiful soul. Helen was a people person; she never met a stranger and made friends easily. She had many lifelong friends, whom she treasured dearly. She was an avid bowler, beginning at age 19 and bowled for over 60 years, amassing many trophies and awards from tournaments in several states. Helen was a wonderful self-taught cook and entertained her large family for holiday and Sunday dinners for many years. Her cornbread dressing will be sorely missed as she never used a recipe nor measured ingredients.

Helen is survived by her loving daughter, Gloria Collins of Maumelle; two grandsons, John Newby of Fort Smith and Andrew Collins and wife, Mara of Maumelle; a great grandchild to be, Addison Grace Collins; three brothers, Herman Vaughn, Bill Vaughn and wife, Nancy and Raymond Vaughn and wife, Lucy all of Fort Smith; one sister, Brenda Harkreader and husband, Jimmy of Fort Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Glen Keith; a daughter, Doris Newby; a sister, Beulah Roe and son-in-law, Bill Collins.

Helen was a dedicated Christian, who attended Rye Hill Baptist Church for over 65 years. Her service will be held 1 p.m. Monday, April 3 at Rye Hill Baptist Church with burial at Steep Hill Cemetery under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing will be Sunday from 2 – 4 p.m. at Chateau on the Greens, 10560 So. Hwy. 96 in Greenwood.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Peachtree Hospice for their compassion and support and also to the staff at Butterfield for their help and understanding.

To sign an online guest book, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.