Helen Laverne Ketron

Helen L. Ketron, age 85, of Kingsport, peacefully went home to be with the Lord, early Wednesday morning, August 17, 2016, at her home surrounded by her family. Helen was a graduate of East Tennessee Baptist Hospital in 1953, and served as a nurse leader for many years and Holston Valley hospital where she retired in 1993. She has cared for many individuals in her 40 year nursing career and in her personal and private life. Her walk of faith began at age 10 where she continued to share her testimony in her daily walk. She embodied the ideals of John 15:12—"this is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." She also cared for many children in the nursery at Vermont United Methodist Church where she was a member for over 60 years. There she was an active member of the Primetimers group, and Barnabas Ministry. She also served as a Girl Scout Leader for many years. Her hobbies included quilting, crocheting, and knitting, embroidering and cooking for her large family each Sunday. She enjoyed spending many vacations with her family and Fun Festing with her grandchildren. Preceded in death are her loving parents, Rev. Claude Morelock and Macie, Siblings- Bessie Marshall, Opal Doty, George Morelock, Charles Morelock and several nieces and nephews. She leaves her best friend, soul mate, and husband of over 63 years, Harrison Ketron, and two children, Lisa Childress with husband Wade of Kingsport and Penny Fleming and husband Rob of Kingsport. Helen's greatest accomplishment besides her nursing career was her love and pride of her family. She was the proud grandmother of four grandchildren, Holly Rinehart and husband Dallas, Robbie Fleming and wife Melissa, Heather Watts and husband Jeff, and Christina English and husband Jason; eight great grandchildren: Kate and Molly Rinehart, Sydney, Dru and Aisley Fleming, and Teagan and Beckett English. Helen was greeted in heaven by Delilah Watts, one of her great granddaughters. Also surviving is her sister, neighbor and best friend, Irene Bernard of Kingsport, and brother Howard Morelock of Morristown. Along with many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved. A graveside service will take place on Sunday (August 21, 2016) at 11 a.m. at East Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Danny Hensley, officiating. Wade Childress, Rob Fleming, Dallas Rinehart, Jeff Watts, Robbie Fleming, Jason English will serve as pallbearers. Family and friends attending the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:50 a.m. A Celebration of life service will be conducted on Sunday (August 21, 2016) at 2 p.m. at Vermont United Methodist Church with Rev. Danny Hensley, officiating. Music will be provided by Jane Harris, Bruce Lewis and Martha Painter. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Church. The family extends "special thanks", to Dr. Cynthia Poortenga, to Wellmont Hospice and to her caregiver, Karen Taylor; for all they have done for Helen. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Princess Delilah Foundation and/or Love Meals of Vermont United Methodist Church. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport is serving the Ketron Family.