Helen M. Deen

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Helen M. Atkinson Deen, 89, resident of Columbia, died Thursday, May 15, 2025 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Donnie Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

The family suggest memorials may be made to the Maury County Animal Shelter, 1233 Mapleash Ave, Columbia, TN 38401. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Born May 9, 1936 in Centerville, TN, she was the daughter of the late John L. Atkinson and the late Alice B. Quillen Atkinson. In July of 1976 she married James Harmon Deen in Greenville Mississippi, and he preceded her in death on June 2, 2020. Mrs. Deen enjoyed cooking and drawing, and in her later years, she taught herself how to paint. She loved tending to her flower garden and nurturing animals. Helen was a true encourager, and would spend hours on the phone listening to and helping others. She was a long time member of Shipps Bend Church of Christ, and more recently, a member of Bethel Church of Christ.

She is survived by her daughters, Sharon (Donnie) Davis, and Amanda (Elizabeth) Deen; grandchildren, Tracey (Todd) Baker, and Kevin (Wendy) Davis; great-grandchildren, Jennifer (Maverick) James, Katelyn Jones, Niko Baker, and Bryson Davis; sister, Shirley Shelton Staggs; special friends, Betty Green, and Ben Hickson; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by siblings, J.P. Atkinson, Ted Atkinson, Charles Atkinson, Pitts Atkinson, Frank Atkinson, Richard Atkinson, Faye Atkinson, and Johnny Atkinson.

Active pallbearers will be Kevin Davis, Jeff Brown, Riley Deen, Chance Leonard, Maverick James, and Cameron Lisondra.

The family would like to express a very special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Caris Healthcare.