Helen Stewart Hendon

Helen Stewart Hendon was born in Georgetown, KY on March 22, 1938, to the late Henry Reuben and Elizabeth Billings Stewart. She passed away on October 27, 2022, in Mount Airy, NC where she had been living for the past four years. The family moved to Asheville, NC in 1944. She graduated from Lee Edwards High School in Asheville, NC and then attended St. Genevieve’s Secretarial School. Upon graduation she went to work for Southern Bell Telephone in the business office. She married Richard (Dick) Patton Hendon in 1959 and within the next ten years she bore four sons: William S. Hendon of Denver, CO, Richard P. Hendon, Jr (Gigi) of Raleigh, NC, Michael S. Hendon of Greenville, SC, and Matthew D. Hendon (Dena) of Greer, SC.

Helen always wanted to be a mother. She loved and adored her sons and devoted her entire life in caring for them (requiring much patience and understanding). As time marched on she became a grandmother and once again had young children to love and dote on. A Christmas card summed up their feelings for her saying “all of our best memories are centered around you, our voices were heard, we felt safe, and we couldn’t wait to get back to you every time we had to leave.” Unconditional love is the impression they were left with more than anything else. Even casual acquaintances often commented on what a warm person she was with her warm smile and bright blue eyes.

Once the kids were grown, she worked for Memorial Mission Hospital as secretary in the Social Services Department. She loved the job and stayed there until retirement.

In addition to her sons and daughters-in-law, she is survived by one sister, Joan Inman (Bill) of Mount Airy, NC; Granddaughters Bliss H. Neesham (Klarisa Zaffark) of Asheville, NC, Stephen H. Bradley (Marie) of Covington, KY; Hanna Hendon of Greenville, SC; Michael Hendon of Raleigh, NC and Kelsey Simmons, Asheville, NC and special (walking buddy) friend Pam Denning, Durham, NC; and several cousins. In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her ex-husband Dick Hendon, brother’s Donald and David Stewart and David’s wife Beth Stewart.

We want to thank the many caregivers at Surry Community Health Center who did everything they could for her. Caregiving is not easy, and they loved her, and it showed. We also thank the many caring folks at Ridgecrest who watched over her and cared for her while she was there. Special thanks to Betty Blackmon who became a special friend.

The family will hold a private Celebration of Life memorial in the Spring in Asheville. Helen will be laid to rest alongside other family members. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com