Helen M. Claffey

February 26, 1924 - September 11, 2018

Knoxville — Helen Claffey, 94, passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at Shannondale Nursing Center, Knoxville, TN. She was born on March 26, 1924, in Wren, MS, to John Madison and Frances Katherine Howell Matthews. Helen graduated from Wren High School and then attended MS State College for Women where she got a degree in Secretarial Science. On December 15, 1951, she married the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” J. Claffey. They were married over 58 years until his passing in 2010. Her entire career was serving as a government employee for the Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant. She served as the secretary at the Y-12 Unit and she was a hard working dedicated employee. Working with people of all nationalities, Helen loved all people regardless of their backgrounds. Helen was Baptist and she knew the importance of the closeness of family and loving all people. Her faith was evident by how she quickly would become a friend to each person that entered her life. She enjoyed helping her longtime friends from work and enjoyed their fellowship. He also enjoyed dining with family and friends. A very generous person, she enjoyed shopping for others and giving to those less fortunate and in need. Helen will be missed by all that knew and loved her. Helen is survived by her niece Melanie Anne Matthews Dill (Mantachie); great nieces, Brittney Anne Dill (Mantachie) and Michelle Matthews McCoy (Pearl); great nephew, Corey Matthews Dill (Nikki), Mantachie; great-great-nieces, Ashley Clark and Hannah McCoy of Pearl; great-great-nephew, Jack Matthews Dill (Mantachie); two special granddaughters, Lily and Jessica Ghazizadeh, Richardson, TX; and special friend, Melvin Horihan (Bea), Knoxville, TN. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck; brother, John M Matthews, Jr.; sister, Anne Marie Matthews; and nephew, John M. Matthews IV. Her Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, September 14, 2018, at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory with Bro. Danny Burks officiating. Burial will follow at Old Union Cemetery, Okolona, MS. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Visitation will be on Sunday, September 16, 2018, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the funeral home in Amory. Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at eepicklefuneralhome.com