HELEN BLEDSOE (CHAFFINS), age 92, passed away July 25, 2024, in Huntington. Born on August 1, 1931, in Hode, KY, she was a beacon of love, support, and wisdom throughout her life. Helen was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, friend and community member known for her strength and kindness. Her hard work, her caring nature, her generosity and love of life are a few of the many characteristics that defined her. Her resilience shone through the adversities of growing up during the depression to the health challenges she faced the last year of her life. Helen never wavered in her determination to maintain her independence with grace and courage, inspiring those around her. She was an accomplished gardener that brought her many hours of peace and joy. Her home was a welcoming place where guests enjoyed fresh baked banana nut bread, biscuits and gravy or perhaps relish made with hot peppers grown in her garden. Her faith was an integral part of her life providing her with strength and solace. She was baptized when she was 16 years old and was a lifelong member of Enon Baptist Church in Salt Rock, WV. Her journey here on earth was long but she is assuredly resting peacefully in heaven now. Helen's legacy continues on with her daughters, Patty Beasley (Jeff) of Roanoke, VA, Sandy Nichols (Randy) of Barboursville, WV, Sheila Booth (Luther) of Roanoke, VA; son Tim Bledsoe (Jean Ethier) of Fraziers Bottom, WV; grandchildren Tabatha Rosen, Nick Gibson, Shane Nichols, Drew Bledsoe, Dan Bledsoe, James Bledsoe, Emily McCallister, Corinne Phelps, Jordan Davis, and Ella Bledsoe; great-grandchildren Alexis Linkous, Emma Eggemeier, Addison Rosen, Peyton Rosen, Danica Bledsoe, Delilah Bledsoe, and Joel Bledsoe; and a great- great-grandchild Mason Linkous. She also leaves behind her beloved siblings, Kathy Price, Myrtle Mitchell, Nona Cole, Bill Chaffins, Lionel Chaffins (Linda), and George Chaffins (Pauline). Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Bledsoe; her parents, Virgie and James Chaffins; grandson, Shaun Nichols; and siblings, Doris Vinson, Elene Chaffins, Albert Chaffins, Joe Chaffins, and Walt Chaffins and friends Rose Stone and Shirley Bledsoe. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Collins, the staff at Fresenius at HIMG, Drew Fowler and Adam Cline at SMMC's dialysis unit, and the StoneRise Home Health team for their exceptional care and kindness, and to Betty and Steve Bobbitt for their dear friendship. A service to honor Helen's life will be held at Wallace Funeral Home in Barboursville, WV, on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 2 p.m. with Jason Harris officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. Graveside burial will be at Ridgelawn Memorial Park, Huntington. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
