Helen L. Bennett Mabry

Helen L. Mabry, 96, of Poplar Bluff died Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Helen was born Jan. 1, 1917 in Wheatland, Mo. to Harry and Cleo Wente Bennett. She was married to Lawrence Edgar Mabry on May 25, 1935 and they moved to Poplar Bluff. He preceded her in death on Nov. 27, 1979.

Helen was a member of First Baptist Church where she enjoyed teaching 15-year-old girls for 30 years, and worked alongside her husband, L.E. Mabry at Mabry Tire and Mobile Oil Co. for many years. Aunt Helen was an avid birdwatcher throughout her life and was featured in ""Birds and Blooms"" magazine. She was known as the family poet and storyteller, and all family birthdays, weddings and joyous occasions were warranted with a poem. She loved to travel and enjoyed many trips with her brother and wife and friend and former teacher, Virginia Baum of Springfield, Mo.

Survivors include a brother, Harry Wente Bennett and wife Leola of Springfield, formerly of Blue Springs; a niece, Nancy Good and husband Mike of Springfield; and two nephews, Harry Bennett and wife Margaret of Madison, Wisc. and Roger Bennett and wife, Beth of Blue Springs. Six great nieces, two great nephews, seven great-great nieces and four great nephews also dearly loved her.

Her parents and two sisters, Kathryn Parker and Rebecca Williams also preceded Mrs. Mabry in death.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Chapel with Dr. William Vail officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials may be made the Audubon Society or Kiwanis Club.