Joy Eller Helton

Joy Eller Helton, 84, passed away on Monday, August 8, 2022, in Johnston Memorial Hospital. Joy was born in Tazewell County, Va., raised in Glade Spring, Va. and lived in the Abingdon area for most of her life. She was a graduate of East Tennessee State University with a degree in Social Work. Joy used her calling to work with children in the Tennessee Department of Human Services, from where she retired. Afterwards, she worked at the Holston United Methodist Home for Children. Joy was a member of Pleasant View United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class. She was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Joy will be remembered for her gentle kindness and heartfelt love for family and others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard L. and Gladys Hinkle Eller; sons Lee Andrew and Donald Scott Helton; nephew Jeffrey Todd McThenia; and lifelong friend Helen Richardson.

Joy is survived by her husband of 64 years, Donald Eugene Helton; sister Gayle McThenia and husband Clayton; brother Tom Eller; nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Susan Helton for her love, care and support to Joy and Don during their challenging time.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 12, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Barbara Farmer. Entombment will follow at 3:15 p.m. at Glenwood Cemetery, Bristol, TN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Holston United Methodist Home for Children, P.O. Box 188, Greeneville, TN 37744 (423-638-4171).

Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family of Joy Eller Helton is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).