OBITUARY: Helen Owen Tarpley

Helen Owen Tarpley, age 82, of Cornersville, Tennessee, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at NHC Lewisburg.

She was born September 22, 1943, in Petersburg, Tennessee, to the late Willie B. Owen and Ida Lou Wright Owen. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband James “Jimmy” Tarpley in 2023 and her brother William “Billy” Owen in 2021. She was a member of the Cornersville First Baptist Church.

For many years, Helen was an employee of Cain Sloan (both of Green Hills and Hickory Hollow). She and Jimmy lived in several places including Nashville, LaVergne, and Mt. Juliet before retiring back to Cornersville. After retirement, Helen and Jimmy were fortunate to be able to do some traveling and enjoyed Gospel Music Shows. For the last couple of years, Helen was a resident at NHC Lewisburg. Helen enjoyed doing needlework, and after becoming a resident at NHC Lewisburg, she found a love for coloring in the various books she was gifted. She is survived by her brother-in-law, Philip Tarpley of Manchester and special friends, Sue Johnson and Carolyn Johnson.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to NHC Lewisburg for the care and love the staff gave Helen during her time there. Also, thanks to Compassus Hospice during this difficult time.

Graveside services will be conducted by Dr. Billy Levengood on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 2:30 pm at Fairview Cemetery, (next to Fall Creek Baptist Church), 11535 Cainsville Road, Norene, Tennessee (Wilson County).

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, PO Box 2206, Brentwood, TN 37024-2206.

London Funeral Home and Crematory in Lewisburg and Hunter Funeral Home in Watertown are honored to assist the family with arrangements.