Family and friends of Helen Boring Temple will gather at her home church, Fountain City United Methodist, at 6 p.m. today (12/26) for funeral services. Mrs. Temple died Dec. 21 at age 92. Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.
Helen Boring Temple
Helen and Bob Temple were married for 67 years, their friendship extending to their time at Central High School. Their marriage produced three children: Rob Temple (Sandy), Ginger Baxter (Bill) and Linda Wise (Steve). There are seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
Daughter Ginger said her mother was a traditional woman who was “happy to be supportive of Daddy and her family. She was a worker bee who often took the supportive role. She was strong, and she made all of us a lot stronger.”
With her husband’s name on the Bob Temple North Side Y and her brother’s name on the Dan Y. Boring Stadium at Central High School, Helen Temple will be remembered for her family of high-achievers – academically, athletically and in business. They are bankers and builders, coaches and gymnasts at the highest level.
Helen won her eighth-grade spelling bee, graduated from Central High School in 1944 and from the University of Tennessee in 1948, earning a degree in physical education and health. She taught at Clinton High School as Bob launched his career in home building.
Helen’s obituary recounts her time as a room mother at Fountain City Elementary School, concessions committee member at Fountain City Ball Park. She was a “baker of bunny, heart, and cream-filled cupcakes; maker of play costumes such as the chicken, duck, black bird and bunny; and member of the Fountain City Sportsmen’s Club at Norris Lake.” She hosted many Thanksgivings, Christmases, birthday parties and sleepovers.
Ginger Baxter said her mom was quite a tap dancer and would frequently break into dance. She was a stickler for spelling and manners and would read books with long chapters to her kids at bedtime.
Those who knew her well caught her understated humor and sense of irony. “But you had to be paying attention,” said Ginger. “She was pleasant almost all the time. We were hopeful she would be here at Christmas.”
Helen Boring Temple will be remembered for her commitment to her family, her community and her church. She will be missed by all.