Mary Helen Quesenberry

Mary Helen Quesenberry, 73, of Indian Valley, Virginia went to be with her Lord on Saturday, October 5, at 8:15 pm. She was surrounded by her family as she slipped from her pain into His everlasting arms.

Mary Helen was born in Rising Sun, Maryland, to Clifford Lee and Bevalene (Phillips) Quesenberry on July 31, 1940.

Mary Helen met and married the love her life, Vinton Quesenberry, on November 1, 1956.They began life together in Maryland. Over the course of the next 57 years, they were sweethearts and soul mates and ministry partners.

Mary Helen took great delight in her family. She was blessed with four sons of whom she was everlastingly proud. Her daughters-in-law were welcomed and loved. Her grandchildren were a source of pride and joy, and she always wanted to have the most recent photos of them to display and show to friends. She loved to hear her boys play bluegrass music at home or in church and was happiest when everybody in the family was together in one place.

Mary Helen committed her life to Christ as a young mother and from that point on, inspired others with her faith and devoted life. She was her husband’s most ardent supporter as he accepted a call to ministry, standing by his side with her smile and prayers. “The Preacher and Helen” as they became known were a team, ministering tirelessly; it was their greatest joy.

Mary Helen was a vital part of a ministry to the elderly for the last several years of her life. Residents in area nursing facilities looked forward to receiving her warm handclasp and hearing her words of love and concern.

Mary Helen was a blessing to all who knew her. No one who loved her will forget her infectious smile or her love of a competitive game of Monopoly or checkers. She kept a spotless house, and a deep pantry. She found joy in serving others from her kitchen; many have sat around her table for one of her Sunday meatloaf dinners or enjoyed her famous potato salad or coleslaw or country cornbread.

She was a woman of discipline and order, usually rising before the sun in the morning to start her work and enjoy her quiet time with God. She believed in the power of prayer, and often encouraged her family and friends to “mind God” when they were struggling. She loved beauty and cherished life. She was an inspiration to her many friends.

Her battle with cancer was a short one, and her death leaves sadness in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She is survived by her husband, Vinton Quesenberry of Indian Valley, Virginia; her four sons and their wives, Douglas R. (Carmella) Quesenberry of Maryville, Tennessee, Darryl V. (Lisa) Quesenberry of Salem, Ohio; Daniel. M. (Rhonda) Quesenberry of Friendsville, Tennesee, and Duane A. (Valorie) Quesenberry of Massillon, Ohio; eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and her sister, Evelyn Phillips of Willis, Virginia. Though we grieve our loss, we rejoice in knowing that we will meet her someday in that place that God has prepared. Her pain is past, and her joy is full.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the outpouring of love by those in the community shown in the visits and food, cards and phone calls. Your caring has made our sorrow easier to bear.

The arrangements will be handled by Maberry Funeral Home, Floyd, Virginia. The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 8, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m at the Indian Valley Church of God, Macks Mountain Rd NW. The funeral will held Wednesday, October 9, at 11 a.m. at the Indian Valley Church of God, Macks Mountain Rd. NW, with Rev. Vinton Quesenberry, Rev. Duane Quesenberry, Rev. Kenneth Poston and Rev. Guy Hartsock officiating. Interment at Phillips Cemetery, Deep Water, Carroll County, Virginia.