Helen Seay Quinn, a lifelong Memphian, passed away on May 24, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, William “Billy” Murray Quinn, her parents Mr. and Mrs. J. I. Seay, Sr., and five brothers and sisters.
Mrs. Quinn, also fondly known as Miss Helen, Aunt Helen and Babual, is survived by a son James “Jim” Wilson Quinn (Marilyn) and daughters Susan Helen Quinn Deese (Larry) and Virginia “Ginger” Seay Quinn Mathis (Ken). She is also survived by the “lights of her life”, grandchildren William Morgan Quinn, Sr. (Emily), Taylor Lasiter Ash (Amber), Matthew Ross Quinn (Sarah Virden), Kristina Lauren Mathis Blythe (Tim), Alexander Martin Quinn (Heather), and Paige Alexander Mathis. She was also delighted by her bonus grandchildren, Marcia and Rodney Deese.
This legacy of joyful, cherished children included her eleven great-grandchildren: Madeline Seay Quinn, Quinn Henry Ash, William Morgan Quinn, Jr., Elizabeth Shelby Ash, Kenneth Hart Blythe, Mary Helen Quinn, Martha Virden Quinn, Thomas Alexander Quinn, Alexander Jennings Ash, Katherine Quinn Blythe, and Owen Jacob Quinn. Mrs. Quinn is also survived by several very special nieces and nephews, and bonus great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Quinn attended Snowden School, Central High School, Ward Belmont in Nashville, and Ole Miss. She was a member of Les Passes, Community Bible Study, and President of the Women’s Auxiliary of the American Supply Association. She was also an avid tennis player. Most of her time, however, was spent as Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, President of the PTA, driver, caregiver, and counselor to her family whenever and wherever needed.
Helen Quinn will always be remembered as a gracious, kind, loving, fun person with an amazing sense of humor. She loved dancing, singing, playing the piano and parties. She had countless friends with whom she loved to laugh. You were drawn to Helen Quinn by her very warm and real heart. Needless to say, Helen Quinn, Miss Helen, Aunt Helen, Babual will be sorely missed.
A visitation will be held Friday, May 27th at 12:30 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119, with a graveside celebration of life to follow at 2:00 pm at Memorial Park. The family requests in lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
