"We Reflect on a Notable Life"

The sunrise of Helen Elizabeth (Chaffin) McConnell was in Dodd City, Texas on August 27, 1927. She was the fifth child of Leroy Chaffin, Sr., and Francis (Roberts) Chaffin. Around the age of 14 months, her mother passed. Later her dad met and married Oneatha (Lee) Chaffin and eleven additional siblings were added. Having a love for family, five
cousins were raised alongside their 16 children.

Helen accepted Christ at an early age, and was baptized and united with The New Jerusalem Baptist Church of Telephone, Texas. Born into a singing family and having a melodious voice, Helen began to sing as a young child. Her parents would stand her in a chair, so she could be seen by the congregation. Helen received her education in Bonham and Honey Grove, Texas.

On December 25, 1950, Helen was united in holy matrimony to Lonnie Earl McConnell, Sr., and moved to Boynton, Oklahoma. To this union five children were born: Garry, Lonnie Jr., Aaron, Roy, and Louis. Helen was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. Being an awesome homemaker, Helen provided so much love and joy in the home. She united with the Cherryville Baptist Church and served faithfully. For many years, Helen was "Mother" of the Church, Finance Committee Chairman, Superintendent, and Sunday School Teacher. She also continued to use the gift of singing throughout the community and surrounding areas by singing as a guest soloist at many churches and events. Helen also sang with a quartet known as The Five Stars. Helen worked throughout the community as a Caregiver, Vice President of Boynton, Oklahoma Historical Society, Boynton Election Board, member of the Boynton Alumni Association, and as a highly respected pillar in the community.

On April 5, 2022, God saw fit to give Helen rest from her labor, and she peacefully entered the final sunset.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie Sr.; sons, Garry and Lonnie Jr.; parents, Roy and Francis Chaffin; stepmother, Oneatha Chaffin; brothers, Marvin and Charles; and sisters, Allie Mae McNeal, Nancy Marie Burton, Beulah Chaffin, and Estella Person.

She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy: sons, Aaron McConnell of Gilbert, Arizona, Roy (Terri) McConnell of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and Louis McConnell of Muskogee, Oklahoma; her sisters, Willie Jewel Shaw of Wichita Falls, Texas, Joanna Bizor, Myrlene Phillips, Betty Cross, and Myrtle Alberty; sister-in-law, Doris Chaffin, all of Dallas, Texas; brothers, Leroy Chaffin, Jr., of Seattle, Washington, Porter Chaffin, Wayne (Sue) Chaffin, and Wesley (Devoice) Chaffin; brother-in-law, Bobby Person, all of Dallas, Texas; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; a special nephew, Tyrone McConnell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends, Bill and Barbara Thompson, and the Cherryville Baptist Church family whom she loved dearly!

The Final Tribute to Mother McConnell will commence on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at the Tenth Hour in the most holy sanctuary of Timothy Baptist Church in Muskogee, where Pastor Kelly Payne is the Gracious Host.