Mullen, Helena Barbara, 85, Mars Hill; May 23, 2009. Arrangements in the care of Duncan Funeral Home, Mars Hill.
MARS HILL – Lena Mullen, 85, was called to her heavenly home on Saturday, May 23, 2009. Lena was born March 5, 1924 in Mars Hill, the daughter of Perley and Gertrude (Tapley) Shaw. 
She graduated from A.C.I. and worked various jobs in her lifetime. She married Stanley W. Mullen on November 30, 1944. They raised six children in their home on Benjamin Street and was a devoted mother and grandmother. Lena touched many lives during her life. She will be remembered for her resilience, strong will, sense of humor, and a strong faith in God. She was an inspiration to all who knew her.
She is survived by her children: Wanda Durost and her husband Earl, Sharon Grass and her husband James, Annette Chavis and her husband Steve, son’s widow Ruth Weeks; nine grandchildren, and 13 great- grandchildren. She also leaves behind four siblings: Ernest Shaw, Eva Kinney, Kathleen Crouse, and Perley “Joe” Shaw, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband Stanley, she was predeceased by two sons: Carl and Dale; a daughter, Deanna; grandson, Dean Mullen, as well as four siblings: James Shaw, Phyllis Whittaker, Pauline Kingsbury, and Hilda Wilson. The family would like to thank Dr. Olugbemi, VHHS, EIM and all of her caregivers for the loving care that she received over the past seven months.
Friends called 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 25, 2009 at the Mars Hill Apostolic Pentecostal Church. Funeral services were conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday at the church with the Rev. Victor Hartley officiating. Interment took place following the service. There was a reception in the church fellowship hall after the committal service. Friends who wish may make donations in her memory to the charity of their choice. Arrangements in care of Duncan Funeral Home, 8 Main St., Mars Hill. Condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.
