Helen Aliene Stallings, age 99 of East Prairie, Mo died at her home on August 7, 2020, surrounded by loving family.

She was born at home in New Madrid County to Louis and Nora Wilburn on July 22 ^nd , 1921.  She was raised on the family farm with her 8 brothers and sisters who all preceded her in death. Lloyd Wilburn, Donald Wilburn, Roy Wilburn, Louis Wilburn Jr, Gilbert Wilburn, Izola Smith, Buelah Wilburn, and Opal Meyers. She married James Albert Stallings on August 31 ^st , 1940 who preceded her in death on May 11, 1979. She is survived by three children. Shirley Britt (Larry), Jerry Stallings (Janie), and Alvina Mainord (Scott). She is also survived by six grandchildren. Chris Britt (Susan), Lisa Bennett (Sam), Jennifer Stallings, Julie Dugan (Bryan), Elizabeth Hanner (Josh), and Kathryn Otradovec (Mitchell). As well as 7 great grandchildren. Lindley Hargett (Sam), Christa Guzman (Tim), Brittan Stancil (Luke), Stella Grace Dugan, Henry Hanner, Robert Otradovec, and John Hanner. One step great grandson, Bradley Kelly. And one great great grandchild, Oaken Guzman. Her family is grateful for the exceptional care and companionship provided by family friend, Barbara Wilson.

Helen graduated high school from a one room school building outside of East Prairie in 1939, where she became the teacher the very same year. She taught her peers as well as her younger brothers. She attended Southeast University in Cape Girardeau for two summers while teaching with the intent to earn a degree. After teaching she married Albert and began her life long career as a devoted wife, mother, homemaker, and farm manager. She and Albert successfully farmed for their entire marriage and she continued managing the farm after his passing for another 20+ years with her son Jerry and son in law Larry. Helen had many hobbies that she was passionate about including travel, reading, crafting, shopping, crossword puzzles, gardening and cooking. In her 99 years, she visited all 50 states, Mexico, Canada and even Europe. Helen never passed up the opportunity to go on a trip. She was a firm believer you should never stay home just because you don't feel great. She enjoyed shopping and outings with the Red Hats Society. You could often find her "standing on her head" in her yard, pulling weeds and tending to her flowers, if not in her home reading or "working her puzzles." She loved crafts of all kinds, and part of her legacy were the beautifully hand embroidered baby and wedding quilts that she made for each of her grandchildren. Friends and family will continue to remember Helen as they celebrate holidays with her famous recipes for pies and cornbread dressing. Helen was a devoted member of the First Christian Church of East Prairie for more than 50 years. She helped with luncheons, attended revivals, was a proud member of her Sunday School class and particularly enjoyed the sunrise service. Her dedication and faith were an inspiration to all who knew her. You could always find Helen on Sunday in her usual pew with her family, dressed in her best with all the jewelry she could wear. Her family is comforted by the knowledge that she had a life full of adventure and love and has gone on to her eternal home to be reunited with Albert, her parents, and brothers and sisters.

The family will receive friends Sunday, August 9, 2020, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church in East Prairie.

Private family funeral services will follow with Martin Lucas officiating.

Interment will follow in the Dogwood Cemetery under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston.

Pallbearers will be: Chris Britt, Bryan Dugan, Josh Hanner, Mitchell Otradovec, Mickey Lay and Milas Mainord.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com .

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Christian Church of East Prairie.