Helen Lefrance Pope Kennington

Helen LeFrance Pope Kennington, better known as Giggy, passed away peacefully August 22, 2020. She was the epitome of the biblical Proverbs 31 woman.  Her worth was far more than rubies.  Her children did indeed rise and call her blessed, and her ultimate goal was for everyone she loved to know Jesus.  She was consistent and persistent with every breath she took, up to her last, proclaiming the greatness of Jesus.

Helen was born in Vidalia, Georgia, on January 15, 1928 to the late Herschel and Mamie Pope.  She was a determined student, not just as a child, but throughout life.  She never stopped learning and had a thirst for knowledge.  As a child, she was an inventor, a storyteller, an entrepreneur, and a lover of music. These attributes would serve her later in life as well.  After graduating from high school, she moved to Macon.  It was there she met and married the late Garner M. Kennington who was the love of her life. Her family relishes memories of their glances, dancing in the kitchen, and Christmas Eves of Papa dressed as Santa and Giggy playing the piano singing carols.  There was always laughter and music in their home.

Early in their marriage, she and Garner were instrumental in planting a mission church, Rivoli Baptist.  As a member of Cherokee Heights Baptist Church, Helen served in a variety of leadership positions, including teaching Sunday School and leading the Girls Auxiliary.  She joined Ingleside Baptist Church in her latter years, where she served as a prayer team leader for the TAG ministry and was a greeter. She was a member of the Mary Martha Sunday School class. Helen had a heart for those in need and made it her personal ministry to visit and serve the sick and shut ins until she could no longer drive.

Helen worked at the Macon Housing Authority as Social Services Director for 20 years, until her retirement.  While she was still working, Helen and her husband started a new venture and opened an antique and gift shop, which she used as a platform to show the love of Jesus to everyone who passed through the doors.

Giggy had many passions, but above all were the word of God and her family.  She could be found every day, even when her eyesight was failing, studying her Bible and sharing God's Word to everyone she met.  Her home was a safe haven to many and the door was always open.  She loved music and had a song for every occasion.  Music was paramount, it was how she celebrated, mourned, played and worshipped.  She delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they in her.

The memories and moments she gave her family are treasured by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, along with countless family and friends. Memories shared by family include always having an open house for everyone, mountain trips, ghost stories around campfires, storytelling, candy making, scripture sharing and song. Her legacy is her love for the Lord Jesus.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Garner Mercer Kennington, Sr. She goes before her children, Sue Kennington Bass (Jim) of Smarr, Vera Kennington Ashley(Eddie) of Juliette, and Garner Kennington, Jr. of Macon; her grandchildren Lisa Ashley-McNew (Jason), Jenny Ashley Ahouse,  Courtney Neil (Adam), John Kennington Owen (Natalie), Peter Kennington Ashley, Garner Kennington III, and Charles Carter; and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also blessed with her beloved nieces and nephews.

Helen was a discussion leader for Bible Study Fellowship and asked that upon her death that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to BSF International so that the gospel of Jesus Christ would continue to be heard throughout the world.  https://www.bsfinternational.org/support/give-to-bsf

She asked that she be remembered by these last words:

"In spite of all the trials in my life (and I’ve had many just as others have had), I can truthfully say GOD IS GOOD!  God's presence in my life has carried me through many difficult challenges and helped me to grow stronger in my faith.  I learned to let go and let God. I recall David’s victory as he fought Goliath the giant and his epic words, THE BATTLE IS THE LORD'S.”

“I love God's word.  It feeds my soul.”

And lastly, “The secret to an abundant life-my last preaching words are ‘Love the Lord God with all of your heart, with all your strength, and with all your might.’”

While we mourn her loss here, we know with certainty that Giggy is in heaven worshipping and singing and experiencing a glorious reunion.  Our family prays you would have this unswerving certainty for yourself and loved ones as well.

A special thank you for the wonderful and caring staff at Homestead Hospice.

Burial services will be private with Dr. Mark Hudgins officiating.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements..