Helen Margaret Stahl

Helen Margaret Stahl, age 86 of Hornsby, Tennessee, formerly of Memphis, passed away Sunday night, May 8, 2016 at her home.

Ms. Stahl was born Sunday, March 23, 1930 on Beechwood Street in Memphis to the late Tola Steve and Helen Margaret Szueber Stahl. She attended Southside High School in Memphis and the Memphis Academy of Arts. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Memphis State University, and her Masters in Art from the University of Mississippi.

Helen was a well-known artist in the Mid-South area. Her career included commercial art, consulting to advertising agencies, and teaching art at Treadwell High School, with many former students becoming well-known artists as well. After retirement, she purchased land in Hornsby, where she built a house and lake, and remained there for the rest of her life.

She was a member of various professional watercolor societies, was featured in several publications, and received numerous national, regional and local awards. She was very curious about things and enjoyed working with her hands. She built many things, including bridges, fences, gates, tables, chairs, a runabout boat, and a six foot grandfather clock, restored antique vehicles, and was a member of the British Sport Car Association.

She was always interested in everything and volunteered her talent to many, including the Hardeman County Arts Council, Hardeman County Hee Haw, and the local animal control shelter. She was very generous with her artwork, often donating many of her pieces for fundraisers.

She played a very big part in her nieces and nephews' lives. They spent time together on vacations, holidays and various other family gatherings. There was never a dull moment when they visited her, as they enjoyed fishing, swimming and other outdoor activities together. They all loved her and describe her as a fun aunt who always treated them like they were her own kids.

Helen was compassionate and loved everyone, and never let anyone get away until she got a "big hug". She will be missed as a great sister, friend and artist by her family, friends, former students and community.

Survivors include her brother, Steve T. Stahl; nieces, Linda Susan Miller (Ritch) and Julie S. Dorman (Randy); nephews, Steve M. Stahl (Anita), Mark R. Stahl (Debbie), and David K. Stahl (Gina); great nieces and nephews, Sara Denson (Jeff), Phillip Stahl, Christopher Miller, Lindsey Baker (Tyler), Richard Stahl (Jennifer), Michael A. Stahl (Bonnie), Samantha Wallace, Nicholas Dorman and Jessica Dorman; great-great nieces, Kaylee Ann Stahl and Addison Elizabeth Stahl; and sisters-in-law, Margaret Mitchell (Skippy) and Marilyn Ledbetter (Bim).

The family would like to thank Gene and Char Sipes, expressing sincere appreciation for coordinating Helen's care during her illness and adopting her as part of their family. They would also like to thank Margie Baker, Jessie Lewis, Velma Lowrance, Stephanie Galloway, Esther Galigher, Patricia Wood and all the other caregivers who tended to her every need with love and compassion.

Charitable contributions made in Mrs. Stahl's memory may be sent to the Hardeman County Arts Council, P. O. Box 249, Bolivar, Tennessee 38008.