Helenbyrd Chappell

Helenbyrd Chappell, 77, passed away in her sleep early Monday morning, January 5, 2015, at her home in Idaho Falls. She was born to Thomas and "Mollie" Kilpatrick on December 14, 1937 in Chester Pennsylvania. Not long after her arrival her parents moved to Newport News, Virginia where she and her younger brother, Tommy, grew up. As a child she loved to visit her friend and cousin, Jacque Fowler, in Crew, Virginia. They climbed trees, played in the neighbor's goat pen and avoided being "proper little girls" as much as possible. Helenbyrd and Jacque often said they were "closer than sisters" and their friendship only grew with the passing years. At age 64, Jacque was adopted by Helenbyrd's mother, Mollie, (who was 85 at the time) so Helenbyrd and Jacque became legal sisters (at last!). Helenbyrd graduated from Idaho State University in 1960 with a degree in Education and a passion for teaching and performance. She moved back to Virginia where she taught 5th and 6th grades and eventually met her future husband, John Chappell, through Trinity Methodist Church. She and John were married in 1964 and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Throughout her life, Helenbyrd had a gift for connecting with people through humor, compassion and her boundless positive attitude. She taught art as a tool for building self-esteem at a juvenile detention home in Newport News. After moving to Idaho Falls in 1975 with John and their son, David, she continued to work with children and adults in need. She volunteered for the Big Brother-Big Sister program, taught a parenting class through the Bonneville County Community Resource Center and served as a chaplain at the Eastern Idaho Medical Center. Helenbyrd was known for her joyful heart, her sense of humor and her deep faith in the Lord. Upon being baptized in the James River in 1963, she dedicated her life to serving God. She was an active member of St. Paul's United Methodist church for 40 years where she taught Sunday school classes and helped establish a Stephen ministry. She was the first female lay speaker in the United Methodist church in Idaho and she continued to give guest sermons up until three years before her death. She was a natural storyteller, no doubt inspired by her father and late Uncle Johnny. Her sermons were filled with humor and joy and possessed a spontaneous, authentic quality. She once described her life's mission as a desire to "make God and people smile." And smile people did, whether they were watching one of her whimsical pantomime performances, seeing her riding her turquoise motor scooter or simply hearing her cheerful laugh. She consistently made everyday life a little bit richer for everyone around her. She adored her one-year-old grandson, Kai, and particularly enjoyed making him smile and laugh. She loved designing colorful costumes, making jewelry, gardening and creating outdoor spaces that inspired peaceful meditation. Church groups still come to her house to meditate and walk the labyrinth she painstakingly created in her backyard. One of Helenbyrd's most treasured moments was the gift of her "Mary Beth kidney." After being diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in 2001, a courageous woman, Mary Beth, stepped forward to donate a kidney. Perhaps because they were such kindred spirits, the kidney was a perfect match. The Mary Beth kidney gave Helenbyrd more than ten wonderful years of life. Helenbyrd's passing was eventually due to a battle with melanoma cancer. She will be deeply missed by those that had the privilege of knowing her. Helenbyrd is survived by her husband John Chappell, sister Jacque Fowler, son David Chappell, daughter-in-law Karina Chappell and grandson Kai Erik Chappell. Her family wishes to thank the wonderful folks at Hands of Hope for the care they provided during her final months. A celebration of her life will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2015 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1730 St. Clair Rd., Idaho Falls. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests making a donation to your favorite humanitarian charity (she supported the IF Rescue Mission, Doctors Without Borders and many others). Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.

A Celebration of Life will be held

4 p.m. ,Sunday, January 25, 2015 St. Paul's United Methodist Church 1730 St. Clair Idaho Falls, ID, Bonneville 83404