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Helen Horner Obituary

NEW BERN - Our beloved Mother, Helen Young Horner, 94, passed away on June 16. She was the daughter of Thomas Roger Young and Bonnie Doty Young of Benton, Illinois. Her entire maternal and paternal families lived there until, at age 15, Helen and her family moved to Springfield, Illinois, following the Great Depression. She attended grade school in Benton. Her High School years were spent in Springfield High School where she especially enjoyed singing with the a cappella choir, and was valedictorian of her class. She graduated from Springfield Junior College and attended University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and the University of Wisconsin. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

Helen taught school and worked as an editor for CC Thomas Publishing Co. In 1942, she married Laurence Irving Horner, a chemistry professor at Springfield Jr. College. In the following years, she and their four daughters gladly accompanied him through several job related moves, the last one being 45 years with Celanese Corporation of America in Charlotte, NC.

As her family grew and spread across the miles, Helen and Larry remained the tie that bound the family in love and tradition. Their home in Charlotte was a gathering place for children and grandchildren with fond memories of sailing, fishing, and always wonderful meals prepared with love. She cherished time spent with her family. Helen was a member of Providence Methodist Church, where she was a member of the choir. Having lived in Charlotte since 1957, she was active as a volunteer in community affairs. She was a member of Charity League and the Delhom Service League of the Mint Museum.

In 2000, Helen and Larry moved to New Bern and embraced their new life here. Helen became a member of Centenary Methodist Church. In 2007, they moved to The Homeplace of New Bern where they were surrounded by warm, caring people and quickly felt part of the community. Helen's devotion to her beloved husband throughout their 67 year long marriage was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Helen maintained a bright and determined spirit strengthened by her faith. She will be remembered for her graceful nature, her natural beauty, strength of character and dignity. We rejoice in knowing she will be joined with loved ones in her eternal home.

The family would like to express its appreciation to the staff at The Homeplace for their loving care of our mother, especially in her final days.

Her husband Laurence Horner preceded Helen in death in late 2009. She is survived by one sister Joan Hewitt; her daughters Jane Horner of New Bern, Nancy Horner of Cary, Kathleen Conti (Marco) of San Francisco, Susan Claire Hageman (Dan Jenkins) of New Bern; grandchildren Lane Mangum (Jeff Girard), Colby Benevides (Mark), Bonnie Braudway (Dustin), Simon Conti (Jennifer), and Giulia Conti; and great grandchildren Avery, Carmen and Mason Benevides.

Helen's family will gather to pay tribute to her and celebrate her long life in a memorial service to be held at Centenary Methodist Church at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 20.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to Centenary Methodist Church or Parkinson's Disease Foundation.

Online condolences may be directed to www.pollockbest.com.

Funeral arrangements are made by Pollock-Best Funeral Home.

Paid Obituary

To sign our guestbook, go to newbernsj.com.

Published by Sun Journal from Jun. 18 to Jun. 21, 2013.
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6 Entries

June 19, 2013

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I have many happy memories of her at your house in Charlotte. She was a special lady and it is wonderful that you were able to enjoy her for such a long time.

Sally Howle Ziemba

June 19, 2013

Thinking of you, Jane. Glad you got to spend some time in New Bern. Love, Jean

June 18, 2013

I would like to express my sincere sympathy for the passing of your love one. May you find peace and comfort from the God who comfort those who mourn. (Isa 66:13)

Jerdine Duncan

June 18, 2013

Loving thoughts of your family at this time. Your Mom was a beautiful lady with a life full of love, I am sure. You were so blessed to have both parents for so many years.
Lois Thompson (Wilmington...but now Winston-Salem)

Lois Thompson

June 18, 2013

Dear Jane, special wishes to you at this milestone in life. You have been blessed with many years of memories. Love and sympathy. Kay S

June 18, 2013

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