1930
Helen
2007
Helen Blackburn
January 13, 1930 — April 20, 2007
Helen Marie Blackburn passed away April 20, 2007. She was born on January 13, 1930 in Wymore, NE. to The Reverend Harold and Neva Blackburn. Her growing up years were spent in Wymore, NE; Jewel, KS; Oklahoma City, OK; Macksville, KS; and Lathrop, MO where her father held pastorates in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Helen graduated from Washburn University and earned a master?s degree from the University of Kansas. Additional graduate studies were at George Peabody College in Nashville, TN and the University of Missouri in Columbia.
She entered the teaching profession in 1952 in Topeka, KS as a kindergarten teacher. Other teaching assignments included 4 years in Fairfield, CA and 37 years in the Shawnee Mission School District. She taught kindergarten through third grades, remedial reading and in special education resource centers. Her last appointment was organizing a District Parent Resource Center for parents of exceptional children and in implementing the Infant-Toddler Program for exceptional children in Johnson County.
Beginning in her early years, music was a major interest. She was a pianist/organist in her father?s churches, sang in choirs and played for many weddings and funerals. Other interests were as church librarian and a leader in educational mission work in the Hispanic community. She formerly was a volunteer in Home Missions for migrants in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Survivors include her sister, Dorothy Blackburn; sisters-in-law, Ruby and Donna Blackburn; nieces and nephews, Debbie Sparks (Don), Dr. Tim Blackburn (Chris), Rev. Lee Blackburn (Claudia) and Laurie Blackburn (Michael Luhman); plus great nieces and nephews.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Frank and Harold.
Expressions of gratitude go to Dr. Bruce Henson, Helen?s long time physician, and the medical staff at Research Medical Center.
Memorial services will be held in the Wesley Chapel, The Church of the Resurrection, 137th and Roe, Leawood, KS Monday, April 23, at 12:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tall Oaks Conference Center, 12797 189th St., Linwood , KS 66052, the scholarship fund at Community Christian Church, 4601 Main St., KCMO 64112, or the charity of your choice.
Helen graduated from Washburn University and earned a master?s degree from the University of Kansas. Additional graduate studies were at George Peabody College in Nashville, TN and the University of Missouri in Columbia.
She entered the teaching profession in 1952 in Topeka, KS as a kindergarten teacher. Other teaching assignments included 4 years in Fairfield, CA and 37 years in the Shawnee Mission School District. She taught kindergarten through third grades, remedial reading and in special education resource centers. Her last appointment was organizing a District Parent Resource Center for parents of exceptional children and in implementing the Infant-Toddler Program for exceptional children in Johnson County.
Beginning in her early years, music was a major interest. She was a pianist/organist in her father?s churches, sang in choirs and played for many weddings and funerals. Other interests were as church librarian and a leader in educational mission work in the Hispanic community. She formerly was a volunteer in Home Missions for migrants in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Survivors include her sister, Dorothy Blackburn; sisters-in-law, Ruby and Donna Blackburn; nieces and nephews, Debbie Sparks (Don), Dr. Tim Blackburn (Chris), Rev. Lee Blackburn (Claudia) and Laurie Blackburn (Michael Luhman); plus great nieces and nephews.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Frank and Harold.
Expressions of gratitude go to Dr. Bruce Henson, Helen?s long time physician, and the medical staff at Research Medical Center.
Memorial services will be held in the Wesley Chapel, The Church of the Resurrection, 137th and Roe, Leawood, KS Monday, April 23, at 12:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tall Oaks Conference Center, 12797 189th St., Linwood , KS 66052, the scholarship fund at Community Christian Church, 4601 Main St., KCMO 64112, or the charity of your choice.
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