MARS HILL – Lena Mullen, 85, was called to her heavenly home Saturday, May 23, 2009. Lena was born May 5, 1925, 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, Nov. 30, 1944. They raised six children in their home on Benjamin Street and she 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, and 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 thanks Dr. Olugbemi, VHHS, EIM and all of her caregivers for the loving care that she received throughout the past seven months. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 25, at Mars Hill Apostolic Pentecostal Church, where funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday with the Rev. Victor Hartley officiating. Interment will take place after the service. There will be 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.
HELENA BARBARA MULLEN
