Helen Louise Penland was born on December 19, 1921 in Sherman, Texas. On July 5, 2016 she was reunited with her husband of 69 years. Robert L. Penland, the love of her life, preceded her in death on Feb. 4, 2009. Helen was also preceded in death by her parents J.Y. and Myrtle McAlister and sibling, Jack McAlister, Jr.

Helen is survived by her two daughters, Pamela Goldsmith and son-in-law, Fred Goldsmith of Franklin, NC and Penny Ross and son-in-law, Bill Ross of St. Augustine, FL.

Her granddaughters are Kimberly McDaniel and her husband Joel of Raleigh, NC and Robin Park and her husband, Clint of Atlanta, GA. Helen's great grandchildren include Kayla and Kinsey McDaniel of Cullowhee, NC and Gavin and Abby Paige Park of Atlanta, GA.

Helen met her husband while on vacation in Washington, DC. She went to Temple Business College and worked for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II.

The Penlands raised their children in Coral Gables, FL. In 1972 they retired and moved back to the Smoky Mountains where they enjoyed 35 years of retirement together.

Helen was quite a creative artist. She was involved in many civic organizations and enjoyed bridge, reading and writing.

Helen had a great sense of humor. She was the first to laugh when the smoke detector went off and her children knew dinner was ready.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 14 at Holly Springs Baptist Church, Franklin, NC. Pastor Joel McDaniel and Rev. Brandon Breedlove will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Clint Park, Gavin Park, Steve Penland, Tim Teague, Dwight Valentine and Rod Brandt.

Memorial donations may be made to Second Mile Ministry at Holly Springs Baptist Church, 366 Holly Spring Church Road, Franklin, NC 28734.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com