Helen Rose (Retherford) Smith

Helen Rose Smith, age 88, of Du Quoin, passed away peacefully at 3:46am at her daughter's home in Du Quoin, with her loving family at her side.

Helen was born on September 2, 1934, in Berea, Kentucky, the daughter of Julius and Ethel Mae (Hensley) Retherford. She married John Daily Smith in Cincinatti, Ohio on March 7, 1962. He preceded her in death in June of 2004. Together, they shared more than forty-two years of marriage and beautiful memories. 

Prior to her retirement, Helen had worked in the garment industry.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister and friend to many. Helen leaves behind a precious gift for her family, passed down from one generation to the next. It is her abiding legacy of unconditional love. 

Survivors include her daughter- Sherrie (Robert) Morse of Du Quoin; son- James (Therese) Smith of Richlands, Virginia; son- Thomas Smith of Du Quoin; grandchildren- Jason Gilmer, Scott Cleaver, Rebecca Cleaver, and Joshua Cleaver of Ohio; Matt Cleaver, Jason Snapp, Amber Smith, and Matt Smith of Virginia; John Smith of New Mexico; Melanie Knight of Du Quoin; Kimberly Varner and Angela Shrewsberry of Pinckneyville; and Courtney Perkins of Chicago; twenty-three great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; brother- David Retherford of Ohio; brother- Irven (Linda) Retherford of Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son- Julius Cleaver, son- Douglas Cleaver, grandson- Emmitt Smith, grandson- Todd Mitchell, and sister- Virginia Zimmerman.

As per the family's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and no public services will be held at this time. Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home in Du Quoin is honored to have been called to serve the family of Helen Rose Smith. 

For more information, or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.maxtonrosado.com or call 618-542-2020.

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