Funeral services for Mary Helen Stafford, 62, were held Thursday, July 6, 2006, at the Springfield Baptist Church with Rev. G.L. Avery and Rev. Norman Williams officiating. Interment was in Resthaven Cemetery. She died June 25.

Mrs. Stafford was a native of Wilkes County and was the daughter of the late Ruel Thomas and Viola Henderson.

Survivors include a daughter, Angela Wright of Washington; two sons, Eric Thomas of Washington and Ernie Stafford of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; a brother, Richard Thomas, Gibson; five sisters, Elease Dancey, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Brenda Brown, Gwinnett County, Hattie Gartrell and and Annette Thomas of Washington, and Georgia and Teresa Johnson of Athens; and four grandchildren, Erika Wright, T.J. Wright, Eric M. Thomas Jr., and Shalina Davis.

Davenport-McLendon Mortuary of Washington was in charge of arrangements.