Maggie Lois Helton

Maggie Lois Helton, age 90, peacefully passed away on January 16, 2026. She was born on December 13, 1935, in a cabin in Celina, Tennessee, to the late Willie Abney and Laura (Rich) Abney.

From the very beginning, Maggie’s life was rooted in strength, love, and devotion to her family. In the 1960s, after her first husband, Thomas Cherry, suffered a military injury, Maggie stepped forward to provide for her family. She began her working life as a secretary for the State and later as a personal secretary for IU Hospital neurology. She later continued her career at G.M. Truck & Bus, where she served as a press operator for 16 years before retiring in 1988.

She married Noah Helton in 1979, and together they shared many happy years until his passing in 2015.

Maggie is preceded in death by her loving husband, Noah Helton; her son, Thomas Cherry Jr.; her brothers, Jim (Joan) Abney and Sibbie Abney; her sister, Jean Johnston; and her step-son, Lester Helton.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, at Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home beginning at 12:00 noon, where family and friends may come and visit from 11:00 am until time of services. Burial will follow at Clayton Cemetery.

Survivors include her daughters, Kathy Rich and Pam Roberts; step-son, David (Donna) Helton; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral Live Stream Link: https://my.gather.app/remember/maggie-lois-helton