Helen Hargraves

Helen May (Cain) Hargraves, 86, of Mooresville, left the comfort of her daughter’s home to meet her Lord and Savior at 10:00pm, on Thursday, September 2, 2021. The sixth child of thirteen, it was on February 15, 1935, that the late, Jess and Margaret (Shepherd) Cain welcomed Helen May to the world in Mary Alice, Kentucky. The world became a bit brighter with the fire that warmed the breath that brought life to Helen. Courage and compassion shined in the soul of Miss Helen May Cain. The good Lord must have known what he was doing when placing Helen May into a family that truly needed her. Tragically losing her mother and littlest sister (Anna Faye) in an automobile accident at the tender age of nine years old, Helen was forced to adhere persevering hardship. She became responsible to keep the family and home. Rising in the face of adversity, her strength was immeasurable as her faith grew stronger. Despite these challenges, Helen was still able to attend Mary Alice School in Harlan County, often with her little sister Juanita in tow, through eighth grade, until her father was called to work in the coal mines in Virginia, where Pennington Gap became their home in her early teens. A longstanding and previously active member and Sunday school teacher at Victory Baptist/Bible Church. Helen enjoyed attending the gospel singings, as church and family were an integral part that brought purpose to life. Unwavering in her faith, Helen instilled the good Christian morals and Love of Jesus with not only her children, but the grandchildren and many others of whom she taught in her Sunday school class. Always on the go and quick in her wits, she was a frequent flyer at the drive-thru and regular at the diners where her and Donnie enjoyed many meals. With God and family at the top of her list, her will to find light in the moment was a sure call for fun! Most content to be singing and rocking with a baby in her arms, the grandchildren of Helen Hargraves could do no wrong in her eyes. Her spare time consisted of working in the yard and piddling in the home to make it beautiful. She had a great love for flowers, with pink roses being her most favored. Mall walking and visits to see her sister in Virginia was a beloved past time in which she shared in the company of her dear friend, Floretta. Previously at Automotive Armature, Helen held a successful 20 year career where she worked hard to fulfill her family’s needs at Allison’s Transmission; retiring from skilled trades in 1993. Her whole life, she was tenacious to step in and stand as a protector and provider. Along with her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her beloved son, Tim Stringer; siblings, Alonzo, James, TJ, Jesse “June”, Ralph, Johnny, Alice, AnnaFaye and an infant brother, Neal; brother-in-law, Aaron; along with her grandson by marriage, Tony Coffey. Survivors include her children, Carolyn Wingate (husband, Don), Donnie Hargraves, and Becky Hirchert (husband, Tom) all of Mooresville; sister, Juanita Carter of Pennington Gap, Virginia; brothers, Walter “Bud” Cain (wife, Cuba) of Greenfield and Roy Cain (wife, Betty) of Pennington Gap, Virginia; five grandchildren, Christie Coffey of Mooresville, Amanda Oldham (husband, Dan) of Avon, Elizabeth Edington (husband, Jeremy) and Elisha Barmes (husband, Matthew) both of Mooresville, Shellie Hirchert (fiancé, Eddie) of Monrovia; eleven great-grandchildren, Joseph (wife, Rachel), Billy, Alee and Jesse, Daniel, Emma, Ryan, and Carson, Madeline, Macy and Alayna; and a great-great-granddaughter, Isabella; along with a host of cherished extended family members and friends. Family and close friends will be gathering privately for services to Celebrate her Life. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, in Monrovia. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to The American Heart Association. To share a favorite story, send a condolence to the family, or light a candle in Helen’s memory by searching @MONROVIAFUNERALHOME on Facebook or by visiting www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Helen Hargraves

February 15, 1935 - September 2, 2021