Helen L. McArthur

Helen Elizabeth Long McArthur, 88, of Athens, Georgia, died peacefully September 24, 2015, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Atlanta, Georgia, December 19, 1926, to Malcolm Johnstone Long, Sr. and Helen Elizabeth Stewart Long. She graduated from Girl's High School of Atlanta and attended Shorter College. On July 21, 1945, Helen married Lt. j.g. W. C. McArthur in the First Baptist Church of Atlanta. They lived in St. Augustine, Florida, Lubbock, Texas, College Station, Texas, and Raleigh, North Carolina before settling in Athens in 1955.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved brothers, Malcolm J. Long Jr., and Dr. Stewart M. Long. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, W. C. "Mac" McArthur; her five children, Malcolm (Sharen) of Athens, James of Tucson, Arizona, Sarah (Mike) Henry of Cashiers, North Carolina, Alan of Athens and Edward (Ivy) of New York, New York; five grandchildren, Jenny, Taylor, Jordan, Emily, and Ford; and three great-grandchildren, Faye, Micah, and Henry.
Helen loved and advocated for the fine arts, especially music. She was a longtime active member of the First Baptist Church choir, as well as a longtime and early member and supporter of the Athens Choral Society. She loved to read, sew and spend time with family and her many wonderful lifelong friends.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 28, 2015 at First Baptist Church of Athens at 2:00 p.m., with Dr. Paul Baxley officiating. The family will receive family and friends at the Church following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to the Music Ministry of the First Baptist Church of Athens.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, West, is in charge of arrangements.