Helen Abston Maney Barnwell

November 12, 1924 - August 16, 2007

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Helen Abston Maney Barnwell, of 600 Lister Road, formerly of Greenville, beloved mother, sister and friend, died Thursday, August 16, 2007. Born in Nashville, TN. on November 12, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Douglas Maney. She attended West End High School in Nashville and graduated in 1942. Her summers were spent at Camp Bon-Air as a popular camper and counselor. She loved to sing, play tennis and golf and pursued all three at Converse College with great success. She graduated in 1946. From there she went on to the General Assembly Training School for Lay Workers in Richmond, VA. She married Dr. Edward Simmons Barnwell of York, S.C., a graduate of Davidson College and moved to Greenville in the early 1950?s. After a lifetime of competitive tennis, Helen started teaching the game to others in 1972. Over the past 40 years she has taught hundreds of children and adults including some of Greenville?s most noteworthy citizens. She could never have had her success without the support and love of all her friends who offered up their tennis courts and came back week after week for lessons. Also, thanks to the YMCA. Her family will be forever grateful for all who gave her life purpose. She is survived by her sister, Jean Edwards and her husband, George Edwards, a sister, Josephine Duncan; two daughters, Virginia Barnwell Maclure and Mary Hope Barnwell and her favorite cat, Callie. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Larry. In lieu of flowers, please continue her love of tennis and animals by giving of your time and resources to the YMCA of Greenville, Cleveland Street or to the Concerned Citizens for Animals, Simpsonville. A celebratory gathering will be held Tuesday at 3:00 pm at the home of Lynne Ray, 418 Woodland Way, Greenville, SC 29607. For directions, please call 864-414-1054. Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown.

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Dear Virginia, I only have the fondest memories of Helen. Warren, Chris, and Emily not only learn to play tennis from dear Helen, but she taught them such nice court manners. My own mother passed last November after a long decline, and I know this

You silly girl! I sure am going to miss you and our times together on the porch. I know you are in a better place and free of pain. No dentures! YAY! Dr. Aiken and I thought your teeth were beautiful! I hope you are up there playing the best match you e

Dear virginia I was so surprised to see Helen's name in the paper today. She was a great cranky, sweet,loveable, loving Lady and I will miss her. She taught me more than how to play tennis properly she had a real love for the game. I remember the

ATTN: Mary Hope Barnwell, Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the death of your mother. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Please call us if we can help to you in any way. We hope that you are doing well and we think of

I send big hugs and love to you, Virginia and Mary Hope. Randle W. Butler, Jr. of Nashville/Tampa, my father, and Helen were best friends from Elementary School to the very end. They were tennis partners and both were sprightly, free spirits. I am sure

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Mary; Our three sons, Bill, Hudson, and Sam all took lessons from dear Helen and loved her! The youngest, Sam, went on to play top notch Juniors, varsity tennis in high school and college. Helen kept her eye on him throughout his career and was so happy

Mary Hope, Virginia, and family; I was very sad to see of your mother's passing. I have many fond memories of tennis lessons at WPC, Cleveland Park, and the YMCA. I know she wil be missed by many. Sincerely; George Furr and Fran Furr

Mary Hope and Virginia, I knew you both along with your Mom over the many years that I worked in the office at Christ Church Upper School. You girls may not even remember me, but i do y'all and your mom. I always enjoyed chats with your Mom over the year

Virginia and Mary Hope Thanks for sharing your mother with me. I don't know how I would have been able to go through some difficult times without her. She was like a mother to me and I will truly miss her and her motherly advise. That is what I loved

It is never easy to lose a loved one, particularly your mother. Fortunately, sweet memories remain and the knowledge that she continues in God's care and love will sustain you in the days to come. My sympathy and love to all of her family and friends.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.