Helen Hunter Dabney

Asheville ~ Helen Hunter Hogue Dabney, 84, passed away on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at her home. A native of York County South Carolina, she was the only child of Kathleen Fewell Hogue and John Smith Hogue. Helen graduated from Rock Hill High School and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and Office Training from Winthrop College. She worked for Horne-Wilson in Charlotte, NC before moving to Asheville in 1949. She worked for Southern Bell from 1949 through 1951. Helen married Thomas Fleming Dabney, Junior and raised three children. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, her children and their spouses: Susan Dabney Creighton of Columbia, SC, John Randolph Dabney and wife Judith Elrod Dabney of Birmingham, AL; Thomas Fleming Dabney, III and wife Rhonda Bullock Dabney of Richmond, VA. Also surviving are her grandsons: Walter Remington Creighton, III of Washington, D.C.; John, Jr. and Matthew Dabney of Clemson, SC and Justin and Alexander Dabney of Richmond, VA. Helen was an active mem-ber of Central United Methodist Church from 1973 to the present where she served on the Administrative Board, as an Orientation Coordinator, and a 10 - year volunteer as office assistant. She was a Sunday School Class president and the class pianist. She was also a member of Groce United Methodist Church from 1953 to 1964 and Zebulon United Methodist Church from 1968 to 1973. Helen was an active member of Etheridge Woman's Club of Asheville. She held many positions, serving as club president, First Vice President, Treasurer, and a member of the District Board. She was voted outstanding Woman of the Year and served for two years as Assistant to the NC President. Helen belonged to the Ruth Davidson Chapter of the National Society Daughters of American Revolution serving as Regent, First Vice Regent, and Treasurer. She served on District and State DAR com-mittees. Helen was a member of the Philip Ludwell Chapter of the Colonial Dames XVII Cen-tury. She served as Chapter President from 2005 to 2009, corresponding secretary general from 1997 to 1999, National Credentials Chair-man from 1995 to 1997, Na-tional Tellers Committee from 1993 to 1995, NC State President from 1991 to 1993, NC State First Vice President from 1989 to 1991, NC State Treasurer from 1985 to 1989 and curator from 1983 to 1985. Helen loved entertaining and she is renowned for her hospitality, decorations, and special dinners. She spent hours planning menus and preparing meals and des-serts, and is fondly remem-bered by family and friends for her ice cream parfaits. Helen was known for her dessert trays that she shared with office staff, neighbors, and friends. Helen loved gardening and spent many happy hours in the yard tending to her flowers. She looked forward each year to several trips to Hilton Head Island, SC. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 29, 2010 2:00 PM at Central United Methodist with Rev. Dr. Robert Blackburn officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM Thursday Laurelwood Cemetery in Rock Hill, SC. Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street Asheville, NC 28801. Groce Funeral Home East Asheville on Tunnel Road is in charge of arrangements.