Evelyn Ruth Helton

Evelyn Ruth Helton, age 97, passed away in Canton, Georgia, on September 6, 2026. She was born in Fannin County, Georgia, near Epworth, on July 27, 1929 to the late John E. and Ella Cochran Barker. 

Beside her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by her first husband, Trenton Newberry and second husband, James Helton; grandson, Brandon Helton and daughter in law, Julie Newberry. 

She is survived by her children, Troy Newberry, and Linda (Bill) King; brother, Hubert (Ruby) Barker; step-son, Mike (Ann) Helton; grandchildren, Chris Newberry, and Sarah Kendall; great grandchildren, Kenneth Newberry, Maria Newberry, Jaime Newberry, Andrew Newberry, William Newberry, Tristan Kendall and Kayleigh Kendall; great-great grandchildren; Abrlynne Newberry and Kenneth William Newberry; extended family members and friends also survive. 

Evelyn truly lived during historical times from 1929 until now. Her life began without running water and no electricity. She was alive during the great stock market crash and lived through several military conflicts involving our nation. She always embraced learning and new developments through almost 10 decades. Even during her final decade of life, she was eager to learn and experiment with e-mailing and loved her daughter's newest smart phone. Evelyn's musical tastes changed throughout the years; from Bing Crosby on black and white television, to CeCe Winans, to Blue Grass Concerts and even the Fox Theater concerts and plays. You could often find Evelyn listening to music on tape, to cassettes, to i-pods with her grandson. 

Her favorite times in life were spent with family and friends treasuring and encouraging traditional family values with unconditional love. That was a gift from her to those she knew and loved. God granted her culinary talents that she used in cooking large meals which her great grandchildren still talk about. She knew how to preserve food from her garden; canning maters and pickling corn on the cob. In her 80's and 90's, her favorite creations were potholders which she gave to anyone that visited with her. Other handiwork included quilts, curtains, and clothing. 

Hard work made her happy, especially when she was doing it for others. In her 60's and 70's, she was a caregiver to others and still baby sitting additional generations. She helped many families face the challenges of this new world and age. One final memory challenge in her 70's she insisted making an additional memory by riding on the back of her son-in-law's motorcycle. She made good times and lived life well. 

Evelyn resided in Ellijay, Georgia until she moved to Canton, Georgia, in 2009. While living in Gilmer county she faithfully attended First Baptist Church in Epworth, Georgia. She was involved in praise and worship services as well as attending regular Bible studies, especially the continuing education classes. She was a true student of the Bible. When she moved to Canton, Georgia, she began attending Antioch Christian Church. She was an excellent seamstress and had a long career in clothing manufacturing. 

Funeral services are scheduled to be conducted on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 2:00 pm from the chapel of the Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home Chapel in Blue Ridge, Georgia. with Pastor Ken May and Rev. Dr. Tom Jordan officiating. Music will be provided by Scott and Angie Barker. Interment will follow in the Pan Will Cemetery in Pantertown with no graveside service.

A time of visitation will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026 from 1:00 pm until the 2:00 pm funeral service hour at the Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home Chapel. 

Flowers are accepted or in lieu of flowers, please bring cards of sympathy or encouragement for the family.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Evelyn Ruth Helton. You may send condolences to the family at our website: www.cochranmcdaniel.com