Helen Collette Churchwell, 82, of Benton, TN passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023.

She was born, June 2, 1941 in Atlanta, GA but spent the majority of her life in Bradley County and Polk County, TN.

Preceded in death by her parents, Ross and Opal Collette; sisters, Doris Smith and Jean Matthews; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Smith and Jack Matthews; sister-in-law, Shirley Collette; nephews, Jimmy Smith and Tony Collette.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Jon Churchwell; daughter, Pam Poteet; daughter and son-in-law, Jana and Mitch Pankey; granddaughter, Summer Poteet; grandsons, Ethan Poteet and spouse, Neely, Matt Pankey, Clay Pankey and spouse, Keri Beth; brother, Earl Collette; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Her earlier working years were spent at office jobs and then along with her husband, they bought, remodeled and furnished an old plantation house where in 1990 they opened Southern Memories Country Inn and Cottages. Guests visited from 43 states and 17 foreign countries before closing in 2004.

She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her family and country. She was a faithful member of North Etowah Baptist Church.

She enjoyed writing stories for adults and children and was a published writer. She had taught writing classes, loved to read and attend plays.

She was an SEC football and basketball fan.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to be given to, The North Etowah Baptist Church Senior Luncheon Group, or the North Etowah Baptist Church General Fund, 231 PA Ave., Etowah, TN 37331; Happy Hearts Senior Group that meets at Oak Grove Church, 224 River Lane, Delano, TN 37325.

The family will have a receiving of friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 6, 2023 in the chapel of the funeral home.