Helen Jean Broyles

Mrs. Helen Jean (McBride) Broyles , 90, passed away on April 16, 2020.  She was born on January 19, 1930, to John S. McBride and Lillian (Black) McBride in Doyle, TN.  She is predeceased by brothers Walter, Reece and Albert as well as a sister, Madge.  After graduation from Doyle High School, she met her husband, Willard Broyles, while working at a summer job at Cove Lake State Park in Jacksboro.  During their marriage, the couple moved to Detroit, MI where Willard worked for the Cadillac Division of General Motors.  Answering the call of the mountains, the couple later returned to East TN.

Throughout her life, she was known for her hard work and dedication to her family. She had various jobs in LaFollette.  For several years, she owned and operated hair salons in LaFollette.  She later had a long and distinguished career with the federal government.  She was the Assistant Director of the LaFollette Housing Authority (LHA) prior to being promoted to several senior management positions with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  She served in several locations, including: Memphis and Nashville, TN, Indianapolis, IN, Columbus, OH, Milwaukee, WI, Anchorage, AK and Tampa, FL.  She also was a key member of a federal task force that went to Puerto Rico in 1975 in response to a major weather disaster declaration.  After her retirement from the Federal Government, she returned to LaFollette.  At that time, she served on the Board of Directors of LHA.   During that latter period, she was instrumental in getting HUD approval for funding to have the Russell Hotel converted into a low-income living facility that is now managed by LHA.

In addition to her professional career, she was involved in charitable and community affairs, including Habitat for Humanity and serving on the Board of Directors of the LaFollette Hospital.   Throughout her life, she was known for her sense of humor and as a compassionate person who was often sought out by those in need of help, whether it was housing, employment or other life challenges.  Helping people in need was a major focus of her life.

She is survived by two daughters, Dottie Pittman (Frank) of Southlake, TX and Rita Broyles of Jacksboro.  She is also survived by one son, Jerry Broyles (Laura) of LaFollette.  She is further survived by five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, one surviving sister, Carolyn of Doyle, TN, as well as several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, August 15, 2020, 11:00 A.M. at Campbell Memorial Gardens with Rev. Dr. Chris Stanfield officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to Habitat for Humanity or a charity of your choice.  The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the staff of Meadow View Senior Living Community where Helen lived the last years of her life.  Online condolences for Mrs. Broyles may be made at www.waltersfuneralhome.net.  Walters Funeral Home of LaFollette is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Helen Jean (McBride) Broyles.