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Helen Portell Obituary
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Born on February 23, 1937, at New York, New York, to John and Anna Sereanne Meren. Helen married the love of her life, Donald Clement Portell, on July 30, 1955. Together, they built a lifetime of memories, sharing nearly 70 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and family.
Helen lived a full and vibrant life, sharing her joy and kindness with all who knew her. She had a knack for crafts and spent countless hours creating beautiful, handmade treasures. Helen also loved playing bingo, where her competitive spirit and warm smile made her a cherished companion at the table. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and one daughter, Karen Jennings.
She is survived by two sons, Bruce (Mary) Portell of Bel Air, Maryland and Roger (Anne) Portell of Gainesville, Florida; a daughter, Lynn (Sam) Wickersham of Harrison; one son-in-law, William Jennings; seven grandchildren, Matthew (Lauren) Portell, Amanda (Steve) Triplett, Jennifer (Dan) Johnson, Kimberly (Austin) Devine, Jessica (Matthew) Arman, Zach (Maddie) Jennings, and Josh (Brittney) Jennings; four great-grandchildren, Konner Jennings, Kinsley Jennings, Maeva Portell and Leo Portell; and other relatives and friends.
Helen will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy of love and creativity will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
A family conducted memorial service and burial will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Fayetteville National Cemetery, for both Helen and Donald Portell. Arrangements are under the direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
The online obituary is available at www.HoltChapel.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen, please visit our floral store.
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1904 Capps Road, Harrison, AR 72601
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