Obituaries

Helen J. Barone

Helen J. Barone: 1937 - 2026

Helen J. Barone passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026. Born on August 28, 1937, in Pikeville, Kentucky, she was the daughter of William Kenis Keathley and Eva Lucille Keathley.

Helen dedicated many years of service to the Social Security Administration, from which she retired in 1989. Following her retirement, she continued to stay active and connected with her community through her long-standing role at Walmart.

Beyond her professional life, Helen's heart was defined by her devotion to her family and her passions. She was a woman of many interests, finding joy in painting and drawing, and she held a special love for her cat and dogs. Above all, she cherished the time spent playing games and making memories with her family and dear friends. While her journey on earth has concluded, her family finds comfort in knowing she has been joyfully reunited with her loved ones in heaven.

She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings, Lowell Keathley, Bill Keathley, and Patty Vanover.

Helen's legacy lives on through her loving family, including her children: Joseph Anthony Barone (Annie) of Highlands, North Carolina Stefan Vincent Barone (Suzanne) of Franklin, North Carolina
Floreta Elizabeth "Penny" Barone (Ed "Beezer" Turner) of Franklin, North Carolina, Janet Margaret Thacker of Raleigh, North Carolina

She is also survived by her cherished six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Helen's honor to Mount Harmony Church in Franklin, North Carolina.