Helen Christian Shurbutt

Mrs. Helen Christian Shurbutt, age 93, wife of Charles Lewis Shurbutt, died peacefully at home in Elberton, Georgia on January 14, 2022.

Helen was born and raised in Elberton, Georgia on August 27, 1928, the youngest of four born to Gradus Terra and Florrie Walters Christian. She graduated from Elberton High School, Agnes Scott College, and Emory University. She met her beloved husband, Lewis, at Emory University Candler School of Theology, where she obtained a Master of Religious Education.

Married in 1952, the early years were spent in Virginia where Lewis served in the Methodist ministry. They returned to Elberton in 1959 and were active members of First United Methodist Church for over 50 years, where Helen taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. She served in several volunteer roles in the community: Spring Valley Nursing Home, Elbert Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Pink Ladies, and the Elbert County Child Abuse Concil. She also served as a docent at the University of Georgia Museum of Art and was appointed by Governor Zell Miller to the State Board of Continuing Education for Youth.

Helen and Lewis had a passion for travel and saw much of the world by cruise ships, but their love of ballroom dancing outshined everything. She was a dear and true friend to so many, forging lifelong friendships. Her compassion for animals was known by all that loved her. Helen loved her family deeply, and her marriage of almost 70 years to Lewis was by far the greatest accomplishment of her life.

A crpytside service celebrating the lives of Lewis and Helen will be held on Saturday, November 19, at 11 o'clock at Elmhurst Cemetery with the Rev. Jim McCollough officiating. Her final resting place will be in the Christian-Shurbutt Mausoleum at Elmhurst Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Elberton, 132 Church Street, Elberton, Georgia 30635 or to your favorite animal rescue. The family would like to extend gratitude to all that have cared for Helen in recent years.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Helen Christian Shurbutt.