Helen Mingledorff Gambill

Helen Mingledorff Gambill of Moultrie, Georgia, late of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away on Monday night, September 26, 2016, at the age of 101 years, after an extended illness. She was preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, and camping partner, T.D. Gambill of Valdosta.
Helen grew up in Douglas, Georgia, the daughter of the late Judge G.H. and Mary Helen (Mazie) Mingledorff and was the last survivor of her siblings (George Henry Jr., Frank Crum Sr., and Annie Mae). She was active in the First United Methodist Church and freely gave of her keyboard talent providing music for services. While in Douglas High School she was a member of the group of young ladies which created the very first Tri-Hi-Y club and is so honored on a historical marker in Douglas at the site of former Douglas High School.
In the 1920's, she and her immediate family spent much time out-doors tent camping in South Georgia and North Florida. This love of the outdoors she carried with her all her life. She and her husband, "T", were members of an active camping group in Valdosta.
Helen did not attend college but prepared herself for a secretarial career via correspondence schools. Internship was in her father's law office which she described as grueling. Thereafter, she pursued a secretarial career with the Office of the Douglas School Superintendent, the Georgia Farm Bureau, Office of Director of Training at WWII Moody (Field) AFB where she was wounded by an accidental blast of a bomb fuse, the Office of the Senior Minister at the First United Methodist Church of Valdosta (25 years), and finally, Office of the President at Valdosta State (College) University (10+ years). Her Last years were spent at Magnolia Manor in Moultrie where she was a charter member of the campus.
Helen and "T" had no children of their own but treated all children, especially "Tee's" daughter Nancy Gambill Bolen and nieces and nephews as if they were their own. 'Mother' Helen will be long remembered by these.
Survivors include Nancy (Jim) Bolen of Snellville, Georgia. Cousins; Rev. Warren Mingledorff of Oklahoma, Rev. Stanley Mingledorff (Ethel) of Nova Scotia, Rev. Walter Mingledorff (Maurine) of Alma, Georgia, Edith (James) West of Americus, and Norma (Mrs. Philip) Mingledorff of Columbus, Georgia. Nieces and Nephews; Frank Jr. (Barbara) Mingledorff of Sopchoppy, Florida, Lamar (Zebbie) Zellner of Macon, Georgia, Helen (Don) Harris of Warner Robins, Georgia, Patsy Randall of Blackshire, Georgia, Henry (Sandy) MIngledorff of Douglas, Georgia, Carl (Sandra) Mingledorff of Douglas, Georgia, Niece Amy Mingledorff and many grandnieces and grandnephews. Her nephew Rick Mingledorff preceded her in death.
The funeral service is scheduled for Friday, September 30, 2016 at 2 P.M. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1 P.M. to 2 P.M. at the funeral home. Donations in lieu of flowers to First United Methodist Church, 109 W. Valley St., Valdosta, Georgia 31601. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home



Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602