Helen Knight Midkiff

Helen Knight Midkiff, 98, passed away on December 5, 2016. She was born in Sparkman, Arkansas on April 16, 1918 to Edwin and Elizabeth Seale Knight, who preceded her in death. She was a wonderful wife, mother and "Nina" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helen graduated from Sparkman High School in 1936 and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia in 1940. She then began a 42 year teaching career that spanned from two years in the Gurdon School District to her move to Brinkley in 1941, where she taught until her retirement from the Brinkley School System in 1981. While a young teacher in Brinkley, she met the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Midkiff, whom she married on May 24, 1946. He preceded her in death in September of 1963 at the age of 50. Helen was also preceded in death by her siblings, Julia Graves, William Grady Knight, Edyth Madden and Carrie Myrle Morgan. Helen was an active member of Brinkley First United Methodist Church for over 50 years. She was a member of the Builder's Class and a charter member of the Wesley Service Guild and later Group I of the United Methodist Women, serving as secretary for many years. She was honored in 2002 with a special Missions Recognition pin for over 50 years of service. She taught Sunday School in the primary department for many years and loved the Westside of 50 Club, serving on the kitchen committee. She also served on the church Memorial Committee. Helen was a member of the Monroe County Retired Teachers Association, also serving as secretary and was a life-time member recipient of the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association. She is survived by her daughter, Judy Wingfield and her husband Dr. Dennis Wingfield of North Little Rock, grandsons, Kevin (Kate) Wingfield of DeWitt, Austin (Anna) Wingfield of Maumelle, granddaughter, Laura (Phillip) Garrett of Hampton, great-grandchildren, Kole and Kline Wingfield of DeWitt and Wyatt and Hunter Garrett of Hampton, Special brother and sister-in-law Edwin and Doris Knight of Little Rock and many special nephews, nieces and friends. The family wishes to thank the amazing staff at Sherwood Nursing and Rehab for their care and compassion for the past several years and for loving on Mother every day and for all her former students who continued to call about her and thank her for teaching them in the past. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church, Brinkley, Ark. or the Arkansas Alzheimer's Association. Visitation with family and friends will be 2-3 p.m. with funeral services at 3:00PM, Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church in Brinkley. Interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery by Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home, Brinkley. Guestbook www.bobnealandsons.com.