Helen Starks Chambers was born on June 30, 1929, in South Tunnel, Tennessee, and entered into the presence of her Maker on May 3, 2026, at the age of 96. In her passing, heaven gained a fearless woman and an even kinder soul with a heart overflowing with love. Known as “Mother” to her children and “Grandmother” to her grandchildren, she knew no enemies, was the brightest light in every room, and was never without her lipstick and perfectly polished nails.

A lifelong resident of Gallatin, Helen was quick to remind others that she was “older than all the roads in town” and didn’t mind that some had become one-way streets—she had driven them the other direction for years and wasn’t about to stop until someone took her keys away. She was the third of four children born to Ms. Ruby Perry. Energetic, playful, and responsible from an early age, Helen carried these traits with her throughout her life.

After graduating from Gallatin High School, Helen went to work for Genesco Inc., where she was crowned “Miss Genesco.” She married in 1950 and went on to rear three children: Sherran, Danny, and Lisa. She later joined the Castner Knott Company, where she became a celebrated sales champion and beloved employee. While she did not hold a doctorate degree, she possessed the equivalent in productivity, resilience, and determination. There was nothing Helen could not do. If told something was impossible, her fearless will ensured she proved otherwise.

From running a 10K without any training or previous running experience to becoming the top salesperson at Gallatin Chrysler year after year, Helen achieved what many believed and voiced could not be done—especially for a woman of her time. She never backed down from any obstacle and she triumphed over each skeptic with dignity, grace, and, of course, while in hosiery.

After completing her first race, Helen became an avid runner, earning numerous medals and trophies. She competed in races across Tennessee, from 5Ks to marathons, with her final race at the remarkable age of 90. For many years, she remained active at the Gallatin Civic Center, where she walked miles each day—paired, naturally, with bottomless coffee.

Helen was deeply committed to serving her community. She gave her time to support presidential campaigns, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, visited the sick and homebound, and faithfully served her church wherever needed. A devoted Christian, Helen eagerly shared her faith and was unwavering in her love for Jesus. She was a founding member of South Water Church of Christ in 1951 (now Hartsville Pike Church of Christ in Gallatin) and never missed an opportunity to invite others to worship. Her outgoing personality, servant’s heart, and joyful spirit made her deeply loved throughout Gallatin and Sumner County.

Above all, Helen’s greatest joy was her family. She never hesitated to tell her children and grandchildren how much she loved and cherished them or how proud she was of each one. She delighted in being a grandmother, showering her grandchildren with unconditional love, support, and hugs. Nowhere was this more evident than at Christmastime. Helen worked tirelessly to create wonder and joy for her family—from surprise visits by “Santy Claus” to mountains of wrapped presents and off-key caroling in festive ugly sweaters. She made every Christmas remarkably special and truly unforgettable.

In her later years, Helen resided at Brookdale Gallatin, where she continued to live with the same zest for life, positivity, and loving spirit. She was treasured by staff and residents alike, a familiar and welcome presence as she made her daily rounds visiting others. True to her nature, she never met a stranger, and that remained so until she entered heaven. The love and care she extended to others will be deeply missed by all who knew her, especially her family, who she loved so deeply.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruby Perry of Westmoreland; her sisters, Joanne Law and Dorothy Womack; and her brother, R.H. Starks.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Sherran and Chuck Allen, Danny and Lisa Chambers, and Lisa and Jack Erickson; eight grandchildren: Brent Allen (Julie), Matt Allen (Brenda), Amy Allen Ice (Robbie), Simon Lynn (Carol), Phillip Lynn (Christine), John Lynn, Allie Chambers Hopkins (Jacob), and Dylan Chambers (Grace); and eleven great-grandchildren: Maura, Tristan, Bennett, and Judah Allen; Ava, Myla, and Harper Garrison; Holland and Hazel Lynn; and Eli and Wyatt Chambers; along with several cherished nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be hosted by her children on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at noon.