Helena Stephenson Edmunds

Helena Stephenson Edmunds, aka "Helene," age 88 of Hamilton passed away on March 18, 2008 at 8:30 PM at Hospice of Hamilton at Sunrise. Helene was born on November 24, 1919, in Crab Orchard, Kentucky, the eldest child of John and Myrtle (Shumate) Stephenson. She graduated from Hamilton High School in 1937, and attended Ohio University and Miami University on scholarship; a lofty accomplishment for a woman during the Great Depression. Helene married William Henry Edmunds on February 22, 1941 at the Hamilton Presbyterian Church. Bill and Helene shared 50 years of marriage before Bill passed. During WW II, she worked in Cincinnati for the E.P.A. and modeled for the exclusive clothing store Giddings Jenny. She was an equal partner with her husband in a variety of businesses. They owned Middletown Beer Distributors, dba Butler Beverage Company for 25 years. She helped build the business into the number one beer wholesale distributorship in three counties. Later in life she owned Edmunds Investment Company with her only child, Cheryl, for 30 years. Helene was among the first of her generation to work outside the home. This elegant lady was an exemplary business woman whose beauty matched her intellect. She was a member of the Hamilton Presbyterian Church, Hannah Circle, and Presby Generation. Helene was a charter member of the Hamilton Cotillion and the New London Hills Tennis and Swim Club. She was a member of the Cincinnati Club, Elks Country Club, Cooperative Service League, the K of C Ladies Auxiliary, and was a Kentucky Colonel. Helene was an accomplished bridge player and seasoned traveler. She and Bill enjoyed their Ft. Lauderdale condo and traveling to five continents. Helene’s favorite destination was Hawaii. Her zest for life, positive outlook and mannered demeanor endeared her to her many friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill in 1991, her brother John "Bud" Stephenson of Florida, her sister Anne Sanders of South Carolina, and her parents. She is survived by her loving daughter Cheryl Kirk, her devoted son-in-law Norman Kirk, her loving granddaughter Jennifer Kirk, all of Hamilton; plus her three nephews, Sandy, Steve, and Miles Sanders of South Carolina; and her favorite canine companion, Annabelle.

Helene’s family thanks special friends Donna, Kimberly, Sally, Linda, and Nancy for their special help and care. Dr. William Krall gave superlative care of Helene and is truly appreciated by the family.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon with services beginning at 12:00 noon with Rev. Kenn Barton of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Following the ceremony, burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helena’s name to the American Diabetes Association, 644 Linn St. #304, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203 or to the American Cancer Society 1-800-227-2345.