Helen M. Key Arrington

Helen Marie Key Arrington, 87, of Bedford left her earthly home and breathed her first breath with her personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, January 18, at her residence on Kelso Mill Road.

Known as “Puddin’” or “Mimee” to her close family and friends, she lived a simple, humble life of giving. She required very little for herself but opened up her home, contributed financially, and gave of her time to anyone in need. She lived a happy, full life enjoying many hobbies: cooking and baking, cake decorating, canning and freezing, flower gardening, sewing, knitting, music, and ceramics. She enjoyed long walks on her beloved farm and found many arrowheads which she displayed in her home. She loved animals, but her greatest love was for children, and it brightened her day to have them around.

Born during the Great Depression on August 23, 1933, in Bedford, she was the tenth of sixteen children born to the late Willie Austin Key, Sr., and Callie Louise Croft Key. Her surviving siblings include three brothers: Robert (Bobby) E. Key, Bernard (Bunny) C. Key, Gerald (Bobo) L. Key and two sisters: MaryNell Key Claytor and Judy Key Dickerson. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was married to her childhood sweetheart and husband of 66 years, the late Mack Lee Arrington. She worked beside him on the farm and in the fields while, together, they parented four children who also survive: Kathy Arrington Glover and husband, Rich; Mark Lee Arrington and wife, Penny; Melinda Arrington Cooper; and Renae Arrington Fariss and husband, Ron. She was Grandma to eight grandchildren who survive: Melinda Glover Misjuns and husband, Marty; Megan Glover Zawadzki and husband, Kyle; Richard Lewis Glover, Jr., and wife, Amanda; Clark Lee Glover; Callie Glover Freeman and husband, Aaron; Ted Lee Arrington; Lucas Lee Arrington, and Hannah Leigh Arrington. She was Great Grandma to seven surviving great-grandchildren: Blake and Brody Brubaker, Max and Henry Misjuns, Madilyn Arrington, Charlotte Zawadzki, and Kamden Glover.

Her family is grateful to her long time physician, Dr. Brian D. Buchanan, MD for his excellent care of their mother. They are also grateful to the many doctors, nurses and therapists at Centra Lynchburg and Bedford Hospitals, Oakwood Manor, Legacy Hospice, and Bedford YMCA, who compassionately and patiently cared for Helen.

Her request as she aged was to remain in her home as long as possible, and the assistance of many compassionate, patient caregivers made that possible: Valerie Agee, Gina Lindsay, Emmy Latimer, Allison Revis, Phyllis Craig, Laurie Ann Newman, Jeanne Willis, and Amber Goldenbaum.

Helen was a longtime member of Suck Spring Baptist Church. She faithfully attended Sunday School and Worship services with her husband and children, and her Christian teachings and example influenced them one by one to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

A simple graveside service at Suck Spring Baptist Church cemetery will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, with Pastor Michael Cox officiating.

Memorials and contributions, in Helen’s memory, can be made to Suck Spring Baptist Church and the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Associations.

To send condolences online please visit www.obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.