HELEN JEAN SCHMIDT

Helen Jean Schmidt, age 96, of Harrogate, Tennessee, returned to her Heavenly Father peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2026, with her family by her side. She was born in Hebron, North Dakota, on November 18, 1929, to John Schnaidt and Rosina Winterroth Schnaidt.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Frank Schmidt and her son Francis “Frankie” Gene Schmidt in addition to her parents, four brothers, and one of her two sisters. 

She is remembered by her sister Bernice Hohbein, her three daughters Sherry Huff (Jacky Huff), Lois Redmond (Ken Redmond), and Victoria Delgado (Chester Crowley); her grandchildren Bridgette Centers (Chris Centers), Shannon Huff (Alice Huff), Katie Buntin (Jonathan Buntin), Emily Redmond, Ashley Delgado-Rice (J Rice), Olivia Franks (Kerry Franks), Sarah Cheatham (Danny Cheatham); her great-grandchildren Tyler Centers, Kylee Centers, Chase Huff, Cayden Huff, James Buntin, Zoe Buntin, Barrington “Bear” Franks, Miles Cheatham, Mason Cheatham.

In her younger days, Helen spent most of her time assisting her family with the upkeep of their 5,000 acre farm in her hometown of Hebron, North Dakota. After she married her late husband, Helen’s world expanded greatly. She traveled to and lived in more than 20 different states and 60 different towns across the country before finally settling in Harrogate, TN. She has always had a longstanding love for nature, gardening, and animals of any sort. She was never seen without a stylish bird blouse, flower jacket, or cat purse. Her home is adorned with her passions, interests, and memories of her family. She loved nothing more than to play the piano and share old German family recipes with her descendants. 

Throughout her life, Helen always remained resolute and centered in her faith. She was a long-term member of St. Julian Catholic Church and mourned the days that she was able to attend for worship. Helen’s love for the Lord shined through her and onto her family. She was a beloved sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and neighbor.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Robin Russell and the dedicated ICU staff at Middlesboro ARH Hospital for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness they showed Helen and her loved ones during her final days.

The family of Helen Schmidt will receive friends and neighbors on Monday, June 8, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Green Hills Funeral Home in Middlesboro, KY. Music will be provided by her family.

Funeral Mass will be conducted at St. Julian Catholic Church in Middlesboro, KY on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., with the burial following afterwards at Harrogate Cemetery in Harrogate, TN. 

Pallbearers include her family Chris Centers, Tyler Centers, Shannon Huff, Chase Huff, Cayden Huff, and long term friend of 60 plus years, Earl Cooke. Honorary pallbearers include Jacky Huff, Ken Redmond, and Chester Crowley. 

In lieu of flowers, Helen's family invites you to honor her love of animals by making a donation to the Humane Society of Tennessee Valley, Claiborne Animal Shelter, or an animal organization of your choice.

Green Hills Funeral Home, Middlesboro, is honored to serve the Schmidt Family.

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