Helen Lucille (Nave) Dempsey

April 8, 1929 - February 18, 2016

The next time that you see me... I'll be walking the streets of gold!" Helen Lucille Nave Dempsey, 86, formally of Hopper Road, Johnson City, went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at NHC Healthcare following a lengthy illness. She was born on April 8, 1929, in Johnson City. She was a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, and friend. Helen was a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church, Johnson City, where she served as a hostess, with WMU, and many other church activities. She was a 1947 graduate of Science Hill High School. Mrs. Dempsey was a dedicated employee throughout her 75 years of employment at several places of business including Hospital Pharmacy, A&P Grocery, and Klopman Mills. She retired from Minco in 2004. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Clyde A. and Mary Nave; husband, Charles F. Dempsey in 1980; her brother, Clyde A. Nave, Jr., and an infant great grandson, Jackson D. Blankenship. The Dempsey family would like to extend a special thanks to all the staff at NHC Healthcare, especially the station 2 staff for their loving care, and to the family of new friends made while she resided there. Those left to cherish her memory are her, Six children, Carol Armstrong and husband Bob, of Kingsport; Ron Dempsey and wife Judy, of Johnson City; Vickie Dempsey, of Johnson City, Darrell Dempsey and wife Betty Jo, of Kingsport, Mike Dempsey and wife Lisa, of Johnson City, Jeff Dempsey and wife Donna, of Nashville; Eight Grandchildren, Scotty Hughes, Angela Blankenship and husband Matt, Bridgett Ward, Jon Grady Dempsey and wife Krissy, Eric Dempsey, Marcia Dempsey, Nolan Dempsey, all of Johnson City, Paul Dempsey and wife April, Belden, MS; Ten Great Grandchildren and four Great, Great Grandchildren; Sister Norma Jean Kidd, and husband Jim, High Point, NC; brother-in-law, Delbert Dempsey, and wife Norma, of Johnson City; sister-in-law, Roxie Dempsey, of Johnson City. Several nieces, nephews, and many friends also survive. The funeral service for Mrs. Dempsey will be conducted at 2:30 PM, Sunday, February, 21, 2016 in the East Parlor of Appalachian Funeral with Dr. Kenneth Gaskins and Pastor Harold McNabb officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 12:30 until 2:30 in the East Parlor of Appalachian Funeral Home, or other times at the residence of a son, Ron Dempsey, 1313 Iris Street, Johnson City, TN. The Graveside service and interment will be conducted following the funeral at Monte Vista Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be sons, grandsons, and great grandsons. Memorial contributions may be made in Helen's name to the NHC Resident Council for Recreation Dept., P.O Box 4777, Johnson City, TN 37602. Order Flowers Service DetailsSunday, February 21st, 2016 12:30pm, Appalachian Funeral Home- East Chapel Interment DetailsMonte Vista Memorial Park