It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Helen Wheeler Thionnet, who died peacefully on April 26, 2025, at the age of 91. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Helen was the heart of her family, known for her strength, warmth, and humor.
Born on February 9, 1934, in Dill City, Oklahoma, Helen spent her life creating a legacy of courage, resilience, and love. She raised her family with care, teaching strength and faith to her three daughters. Her home was always a place of comfort, laughter, and homemade meals shared with those she loved most.
Helen was raised in Dill City, Oklahoma, where she excelled in basketball, and was known for her wit and strength. Helen married the love of her life, Leon Thionnet, on November 10, 1952, in Burns Flat, Oklahoma. They then moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where they spent the rest of their time together, raising their family. Helen was also known for her love of travel, and along with her beloved husband, visited every state in the U.S., twice. Helen and Leon were active members of Hillwood Baptist Church, where Leon is a deacon.
Helen was blessed with many friends and family members, each of whom she loved uniquely and immensely. She is survived by her husband, Charles Leon Thionne; sister, Joyce Delzer of Weatherford, Oklahoma; daughters, Leonda Thionnet Whetstone (Chris) of Huntsville, Vickie Thionnet Price (David) of Huntsville, and Karen Thionnet Garrison of Huntsville; six grandchildren and their spouses; and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents A.A. and Vera Mae Wheeler; brother, Leland Wheeler; sisters, Mary Wheeler McGaughy and Delores Wheeler Treadaway; and son-in-law, Rex Garrison.
Beyond her role as the heart of her family, Helen was known for her wonderful cooking skills, beautiful rose garden, plentiful vegetable garden, and faith in her family and in God. Her wisdom, humor, and strength were a gift to all who knew her.
Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on through those that knew and loved her.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Hillwood Baptist Church. The funeral will follow at 11 a.m. at the church with the Revs. Dana Workman and Jeff Smith officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hillwood Baptist Church.
