Helen Rita Shofner, 102, of Shelbyville, passed away on January 4, 2024, after an extended illness.
Born on November 29, 1921, in Newport, Rhode Island, Helen was the daughter of the late Fredrick and Margaret (Sullivan) Goffe, of Newport Rhode Island. She was one of identical twins born to Fredrick and Margaret at that time, the other being Marion, or “Mim.”
Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Howard B. (Buddy) Shofner, Jr.; her eldest daughter, Maureen Shofner Minch of Nashville; a niece Caroline Bidlack; a nephew Jared McGowan; another nephew John Christopher Shofner, both of Shelbyville; and her twin sister Marion (Mim) Goffe Bidlack of Newport, Rhode Island.
Survivors include daughter Barbara Shofner Swain; son Howard Bentley Shofner III (Debbie); nephews Donald and Kenneth Bidlack of Newport; grandchildren Jena, Zach, and Kyle Swain of Shelbyville; and Allison Minch Singleton (Matthew) and Justin Minch of Nashville; along with numerous great-grandchildren, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Shofner Chapel and Cemetery on the New Tullahoma Highway on January 21 at 2 p.m. A light reception will follow in the Chapel.
The family of Helen Shofner would like to thank the staff and administrators of Hickory Gardens Assisted Living of Madison, Tenn., for their care and support of Helen and the family. Their kindness cannot be measured. A special thanks goes out to Jenn Harvey, the resident nurse at Hickory Gardens, for her kindness and compassion. Lastly, their thanks go out to Adoration Hospice, especially Chaplain Eddie, Nurses Laura and Cassie, and all others who contributed to Helen’s support in her transition.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shofner’s Chapel, c/o Ann Shofner, 314 East Franklin Street Shelbyville, TN 37160, or Animal Rescue Corps, 1021 Woods Ferry Road, Gallatin, TN 37066
