Helen Carnes

Mary Helen Carnes, age 82, passed away peacefully Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Blount Memorial Hospital. Affectionately known as "Grammy" or "Mama Helen" even to folks not in her immediate family, she was also that person who never met a stranger and "oh yeah, you worked at Walmart", which she did for 34 years before taking a medical retirement. She was a graduate of Everett High class of 1960 and a member of Friendship Baptist Church.

A stroke in 2019 stopped her from driving, which was more limiting than her many health issues because she was previously always on the go. She especially missed volunteering at Blount Memorial Hospital, and having Friday lunch with "the girls", after that all-important hair appointment. Ganues House of Hair will never be the same. The family would like to thank Michaelina Emerson for taking care of "Miss Helen" when her sons weren't available to do so.

Preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Lonnie Carnes; parents William Powell Brown and Martha Alma Brock Brown; parents-in-law Charles and Anna Lou Carnes; also Ray Lynch, who she loved like her own son for 30 years.

She leaves behind her devoted sons, Danny Carnes of Farragut, and Randall Carnes (Angie) of Maryville; Granddaughter Bethany Carnes (Chad) of Knoxville, Great-grandson Barrett "Bear" Thornell of Knoxville; brother, Roger Brown of Liberty, Missouri; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family would like to acknowledge the caregivers and hospice team on 4-South of Blount Memorial for keeping Helen as comfortable as possible until her passing.

Helen always said, "If you can't come see me when I'm alive, then don't come see me after I'm dead". Always one to get the last word in and sassy until the end, she will be entombed next to her husband Lonnie in a private service at Sherwood Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Friends may share condolences and sign the register at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service from 8:00 until 5:00 pm Thursday and Friday, September 5th and 6th.