Helen Eubanks Whaley

Helen Eubanks Whaley, 92, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2021, in Palm Harbor, Florida.. Helen was born in Wakulla County on September 20, 1929, to Ross and Verdie Belle (Gray) Eubanks. She graduated from Sopchoppy High School in 1947 and enjoyed working in Tallahassee before marrying William E. Whaley on June 10, 1950. After living in Virginia during Willie’s military service and Gainesville while he earned his degree, they returned to Wakulla to raise their family. When her youngest child started elementary school, Helen went back to school too. After graduating from Florida State University in 1971, Helen began her career as a teacher at Wakulla High School where she taught business education, sponsored many senior classes, and accompanied students on senior trips and to FBLA conventions. After retiring in 1991, Helen and Willie enjoyed traveling, tending their garden and animals, and being grandparents. After his death in 1999, Helen continued to enjoy traveling with her sister, Annette, and good friends from her church and community. Throughout her life, Helen was a devout Christian and involved member of her church and community. Helen’s favorite place was with her loving family and many close friends, a smile on her face, her hair ‘did’, wearing the perfect outfit, and enjoying a good meal with lots of laughter and hugs for everyone in attendance. She will be missed and fondly remembered by everyone who loved her. Pre-deceased by her parents, Verdie and Ross Eubanks; her husband, Willie; her son, Emory; her daughter, Debbie; her brother, Norris; and her sister, Annette, Helen is survived by her children, Stan, Denise Crabtree, and Jack Hawkins (Maribel); her grandchildren, Jacob (Amanda) and Spencer Crabtree and Hayden and Taylor Hawkins; her brother, Roger (Judy) Eubanks, and brother-in-law, Wyatt Jackson; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who were family. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Sopchoppy Southern Baptist Church, with a celebration of Helen’s life beginning after visitation. Helen will be buried at Lake Ellen Baptist Cemetery in Medart following the service. Helen was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016; in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association. (alz.org) David Conn and Kimberly Crum with Bevis Funeral Home of Crawfordville are assisting the family with arrangements. (850-926-3333, www.bevisfh.com)

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Helen Eubanks Whaley

September 20, 1929 - October 16, 2021