PAULINE “NANNY” JOYNER HELTON,
of Sherwood, Ark., passed away June 21, 2022. She was born August 12, 1921, to James and Nellie Mae Joyner in Little Rock, Arkansas. Pauline is survived by two granddaughters, Alicia Emmerling (Sam), Kristina Ryan (Kevin); six great-grandchildren: Thomas, Evan, Chloe, Samantha, Hannah and Kristian. She is preceded in death by her parents and step-mother, LaVada “Mummy” Joyner; siblings, Walter Joyner, Marie Sickel, Polly DiCosmo; husband of 58 years, Sam Helton; daughter and son-in-law, George and Alice Vorsas; son, Terry Helton.
Pauline graduated from Little Rock “Central” High School. As a young adult, she worked as a switch board operator for South Western Bell. As her children grew older she worked as a secretary at her church, First Assembly of God in North Little Rock. She loved this job and the lifetime friendships and community it brought and worked on staff for 25 years.
She and her “Sambo” were some of the founding members of First Assembly of God and faithfully served together in many capacities and whenever called upon. Some that were dear to her were the church library, missions and her beloved Sunday school class that she taught for decades. She touched countless lives of Sherwood, Ark., passed away June 21,
2022. She was born August 12,
1921, to James and Nellie Mae
Joyner in Little
Rock, Arkansas.
Pauline is survived by two granddaughters,
Alicia Emmerling
(Sam), Kristina
Ryan (Kevin); six great-grandchildren: Thomas, Evan, Chloe, Samantha, Hannah and Kristian. She is preceded in death by her parents and step-mother, LaVada “Mummy” Joyner; siblings, Walter Joyner, Marie Sickel, Polly DiCosmo; husband of 58 years, Sam Helton; daughter and son-in-law, George and Alice Vorsas; son, Terry Helton.
Pauline graduated from Little Rock “Central” High School. As a young adult, she worked as a switch board operator for South Western Bell. As her children grew older she worked as a secretary at her church, First Assembly of God in North Little Rock. She loved this job and the lifetime friendships and community it brought and worked on staff for 25 years.
She and her “Sambo” were some of the founding members of First Assembly of God and faithfully served together in many capacities and whenever called upon. Some that were dear to her were the church library, missions and her beloved Sunday school class that she taught for decades. She touched countless lives through this class in her service to the Lord by living out the person He created her to be every day. She did it with excellence, exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit along the way. Pauline loved to volunteer for many things but one of her most fulfilling was thegift shop in St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sherwood where she volunteered for 20 years, until 95 years old. She was there the day it opened and loved the friendships made and opportunity for helping people. Pauline will be remembered for her faithfulness, her heart to serve others and her hospitality. Her home and table were always open for out-of-town guests, missionaries on sabbatical, ministers passing through town, family and friends. She was speedy in everything she did. She could have an impromptu table set with food and drinks for unexpected company in a flash. She could also make a trip to the mall and back before Sambo knew she was gone. And not many could keep up with her walking while shopping or walking the neighborhood, as they did every day. This also applied to her driving, nobody could get you somewhere faster than Nanny. At 97 years old, she drove for the last time, of course it was to the hair salon. She was quick in everything she did, except truly living. Quick to love and answer the Lord when asked to serve, quick to love her family, quick to love others and it was always in that order. For 100 years Pauline lived life to the fullest every single day, showing the love of Christ in all she did. The most important thing to be remembered for.
The Helton family would like to thank Sherwood Nursing and Rehab for their excellent and compassionate care as well as Baptist Health Hospice Care.
Visitation will be 12 p.m., Friday, June 24, 2022, at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral Service will begin at 1 p.m. Interment will be at 3 p.m., at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.