Mary Lynn Helberg

Mary Lynn McAteer Helberg, of Thornton, Arkansas, born July 27, 1945, passing away February 11, 2014. She was welcomed into heaven by her parents: Lloyd McAteer, Gerald & Leona Simms, and her precious "Papa" Marian Trucks. She is survived by her husband of 51 years Carl Helberg, her daughters: Tina Pennington (Stephen) of Bryant, Arkansas, and Marsha Waddill (Brian) of Collierville, Tennessee, her four dear grandchildren who called her Nanna: Drew, Seth, and Sean Pennington and Emily Waddill. She is also survived by her sisters Cherie O'Mary (Marvin) and Judy Bever (Russell), and a great many close friends. Mary was a brave, vivacious lady with a love of travel, shopping, sewing, and cooking, known for her amazing homemade desserts and rolls, cheese dip for breakfast, and the stylish clothing she designed. She jokingly described herself in the later years as a "retired housewife". Visitation will be Thursday evening February 13th from 6-8 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 14th at 11 a.m. also at Benton Funeral Home with burial at Calaway Cemetary in Thornton, Arkansas. Memorials may be made to Beech Grove Baptist Church in Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.