Mary Helen Moore Spradlin, 81, of Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 22, 2024. She brought and shared joy, music, caring, support, and most importantly laughter with her friends and family.

Born November 22, 1942, in Columbia, SC, she was a daughter of J.D. Moore and Clelia Keels Black. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, John Stuart Moore and brother-in-law, Col Angelo Perri

Mary Helen is survived by her loving husband, L.E. Spradlin; her beloved sister, Libba Perri (Col Angelo); sister-in-law, Elizabeth Clare (Dr. Stewart); children, Dr. Keels Jorn (Rev. Bernie) of Jacksonville, FL, Susan Green (Jim) of Charlotte, NC. She also leaves behind her granddaughters, Amelia Jorn of New York, NY, Rebecca Jorn of Jacksonville, FL, and Sarah Jorn of Columbia; her nephews and niece, Steve Cone (Janie) of Atlanta, GA and Stuart Moore (Grace) of Columbia, Jane Zulli (Joe) of Columbia; her great and grand nieces and nephews, Lindsay Gilmore (Dr. Beau), Miles and Emmie Gilmore of Bend OR, Dr. Ryan Cone (Cardin), Rhodes Cone of Atlanta, GA, Dr. Brent Cone (Dr. Nhu-An) of Denver, CO, Alston Moore, Margaret Moore, J.D. Zulli and Elizabeth Zulli all of Columbia.

Mary Helen graduated from Dreher High School, class of 1960, and attended Columbia College, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Theater. While in high school and college she enjoyed being part of plays and choral productions. Music was a great love and she always found opportunities to participate. She was a member of the Junior Women's Club in Columbia and had many roles in the annual Red Stockings Review. Mary Helen was a member of her church choirs and part of a group that sang backup for Foreigner at concert in the 1980's.

After graduating from Columbia College, she taught school in Charleston, SC, for four years. It was during those years she met and fell in love with L.E. Spradlin and they had 57 wonderful years together. Together with their children, they were transferred up and down the east coast, landing in Columbia, her hometown three times. She volunteered with the Telephone Pioneers Group, served as Guardian Ad Litem when living in Miami, FL. Mary Helen led a peripheral neuropathy support group in Columbia for many years, counseling and providing support to those suffering with the same condition. She was a Mary Kay representative for 50 plus years and was very proud of being able to help women feel beautiful.

She had immense compassion and openness, spreading joy and love through laughter and music. Laughter was a best friend and was always right with Mary Helen waiting for the just right quirky time to jump out. Laughter rang out from her room every day as the care givers worked with her daily living these last months.

Like anyone with a longer life there are many special friends to thank for the friendship. For Mary Helen the family lifts the Shandon United Methodist Church chancel choir, the Shandon United Methodist Church JOY Sunday school class, the Thursday Morning Book Club and the Kaminer neighborhood prayer group.

Mary Helen had a host of chronic diseases, some dating from childhood. Throughout her life, as a new condition or limitation arose, she adapted with grace, self-compassion, candor, and laughter. She would often say she wanted her tombstone to read, "Here lies Mary Helen, she was aggravated to death". But wonderful physicians and care, in the many cities up and down the east coast over the years gave her a full life of JOY, family and friends. Those most recent the family especially would like to thank are: Prisma Health Dr. Davinder Lally (Retired), Dr. David Giovannini, Dr. Mark Mayson (neighbor), Dr. Roy Huffman (neighbor), Dr. Miroslav Cuturic, Dr. Laurel Herpel and those special folks at Mayo Clinic of Jacksonville. Hospice nurse, Kelly Hane; physician, Dr. Karin Jenkins, Hospice; home care aide sisters, Jayvot and Myrthis Thompson. Not only did all these individuals bring care, but laughter and wonderful times.

A special thank you to Johnnie Mae Battle (Lifetime Connection) and home worker and for the last months of care: Belinda Sims and Ty Torres( Always Best Care), Shirley Wilson and Stephanie Gadson (Caring Healthcare).

The funeral service for Mrs. Spradlin will be held at 11 o'clock, Saturday, February 3rd at Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine St, Columbia, SC. The family will greet guests following the service in Wesley Hall at the church. The committal service will be held at 3 o'clock Monday, February 5th at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to Shandon United Methodist Church or Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 1235 South Clark Street Suite 305, Arlington, VA 22202