Helen McNeely Henley, 92, of Springfield, MO passed away March 23, 2014 in her home with family at her side. She was born February 18, 1922, in Humansville, MO and has been a Springfield resident since 1942.

Education and church were the center of her life. She was a graduate of Southwest Baptist University, MSU and held a Master''s Degree from Drury University. She began teaching at the age of 17 and taught for 41 years, 36 in Springfield Public Schools. Helen loved life and working with young people. She was a member of First Baptist Church and various professional organizations.

Helen was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She is preceded in death by John Dalton Henley, her husband of 61 years; her brother, Forest McNeely and a sister, Alma McNeely.

Helen is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Ann and Ed Dorris of Springfield and Joy and Marc Lautenbach of Greenwich, CT; seven grandchildren, Dr. Brian Duff and wife Marta of Springfield, Sgt. Matthew Duff and wife Katie of Ft. Wainwright, AK, Thom, Annie and Ellen Lautenbach of Greenwich, and Lauren and Michael Dorris of Springfield; and four great grandchildren, Elsie, Nolan, Robert and Everleigh Duff.

The family would like to thank Omega Hospice and Phoenix Home Care for their wonderful Christian care of Helen.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 25 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home 4500 S. Lone Pine Ave, Springfield, MO. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 26 at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church. Interment will be at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 525 South Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806 or Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, 1131 Boonville, Springfield, MO 65802.