Helen Rayfield

Helen L. Rayfield, 85, of Memphis, Tenn., formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at Baptist Trinity Hospice in Collierville, Tenn.

She was born Dec. 16, 1926, in New Madrid, Mo., to Margarate Brown Boyd. She and Jesse Rayfield were married March 5, 1945, at New Madrid.

Helen was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau.

Survivors include four children, Barbara Herrington of Atlanta, Jesse Rayfield of New Madrid, Carolyn Karnis of Milford, N.H., Frances Miller of Memphis; four grandchildren, Helen Sargent, Mark Herrington, Craig Hutchinson, Stephanie Harrison; five great-grandchildren, Jessi Ledford, Ethan Herrington, Eliza Herrington, Alex Sargent and Austin Clarke.

She was preceded in death by her mother and husband.

Helen was a quiet, gentle person with strong faith and had many hobbies, which included reading, playing bridge, taking long walks, knitting, sewing, painting and square dancing. She will be missed but she is finally at peace with God.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. today at Cape County Memorial Park, with the Rev. Bill Vincent officiating.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.