Helen Smith

Helen Neil Childress Smith, 81, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2006, at her home.

She was born June 27, 1925 in Gibson County, Tenn., daughter of the late Claude and Lena Childress of Hayti, Mo. She attended Braggadocio High School in Missouri and graduated from Yorkville High School in Tennessee.

She was an outstanding bridge player, a master of Southern cuisine, and was blessed with the gift of hospitality. Helen worked as an account collector in her uncle's Chevrolet dealership in Osceola, Ark. She also worked for her mother and aunt in their flower shop in Hayti. Helen most recently worked as a hotel events coordinator in Nashville, Tenn., before her retirement.

Helen moved from Nashville to Caruthersville, Mo., in 1997. There she was an active member of Eastwood Memorial United Methodist Church, SEMO Club, Thursday Bridge Marathon and the Tuesday Evening Bridge Marathon groups. She moved to Cape Girardeau in May.

Helen is survived by her husband of 24 years, Floyd H. Smith; three sisters Claudine Bishop and Rebecca Pinion of Caruthersville, Corrine Still of Wynnburg, Tenn. She is also survived by her two children, Joe Neil VanCleve of Germantown, Tenn., Kim Gracelyn Swartz of Cape Girardeau; four grandchildren, Joe Neil VanCleve Jr. of Memphis, Tenn., Robert Kevin Barbour Jr. of Poplar Bluff, Mo., Mary Kathryn Bertrand of St. Louis, Matthew Field VanCleve of Germantown; and two great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by a stepchild, Janice Russell of Livonia, Mich.; two stepgrandchildren; and five great-stepgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a brother, William M. Childress of Poplar Bluff, Mo.

A memorial service was held Friday at Eastwood Memorial United Methodist Church. Burial was in Little Prairie Memorial Cemetery in Caruthersville.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Eastwood Memorial United Methodist Church, 512 Ward Ave., Caruthersville, Mo., 63830.