Mary Helen VanDeaver

Mary Helen VanDeaver, 93, of Clarksville passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 27, 2025, at Focused Care-Clarksville. Mary Helen was born on December 27, 1931, to Bonnie Bell Rodgers in Paris, Texas. She was married to Charles L. VanDeaver on October 13, 1954, in Dallas. They made their home in Navasota until moving to Clarksville in November 1963.

Mary Helen was taught to sew as a young girl by a neighbor. She was a talented seamstress making clothing for herself, her family and many women of the community. She transformed her skill and love of sewing into VanDeaver Draperies; making window treatments for many houses and businesses in Clarksville and the surrounding area. She later owned and operated Mary Helen’s dress shop.

She loved to entertain and cook for her family and friends; preparing delicious meals for her family, as well as, for many special occasions both in her home and her church.

She and Charles were life long, active, members of First Baptist Church in Clarksville where she served in many capacities. Mary Helen was also a member of the Eastern Star.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Charles L VanDeaver, her mother Bonnie Bell Rogers, and her sister Dorothy Allen.

She is survived by her children, Tommy (Linda) VanDeaver of Clarksville, Gary (Pam) VanDeaver of New Boston, and Renea (Ken) Thomas of Pulaski, Tennessee.

Her six grandchildren, Jody (Carol) VanDeaver of Pattonville, Heath (Ashley) VanDeaver of Bagwell, Kacey (Ryan) Launius of League City, Sarah (Adam) Curtis, Spring Hill, TN, Melanie (Spencer) Mullins of Knoxville,  Tennessee and Katelyn (Cedric) Fibich of Pearland.

Fifteen great-grandchildren, Chloe VanDeaver, Camden VanDeaver, Wesley VanDeaver, Jake Curtis, Loralie VanDeaver, Lawson VanDeaver, Evian Pirtle, Ian VanDeaver, Suzanna Launius, Abigail VanDeaver, Lydia Curtis, Clara Launius, Zayleigh VanDeaver, Nevill Launius, and Eleanor Mullins.

Visitation will be Friday, April 4th from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at Clarksville Funeral Home.

Her life will be celebrated with a funeral service on Saturday, April 5th at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church, Clarksville. Rev. Mark Gossett and Jody VanDeaver, officiating. Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Fulbright, under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Heath VanDeaver, Ryan Launius, Adam Curtis, Spencer Mullins, Cedric Fibich, and Camden VanDeaver.

Honorary pallbearers are the Deacons of First Baptist Church, James Jones and Jim Jones.

The family would like to thank the employees of Focused Care-Clarksville and Heart to Heart Hospice for their loving care.

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