Helen Ann Burns Rate, age 90, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother entered into her heavenly home on June 10th after a brief illness. She is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, Robert L. Rate; her daughter and son-in-law Candace and Michael Barry of Marietta, Georgia; grandson Matthew Barry, his wife Kelly, and their son Connor (age 6) of Cincinnati, Ohio; granddaughter Julie Minton, her husband Doug, and their children Jack (age 5), Emma and Ava (1 year old identical twins) of Marietta, Georgia; as well as many nieces and nephews that she adored.

Helen was born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio. She was the daughter of Layman and Hattie Pence Burns and was the 7th of 8 children in her large, loving family. She is the last of her siblings to join with the Lord in Heaven. Entering into Heaven before her were her sisters and brothers Betty Maddox, Lois Snodgrass, Virginia Cummings, Carol Wolf, Layman "Cotton" Burns, Jr., Eldon Burns, and Richard Burns. There was never a shortage of laughter in her family so what a beautiful reunion that must be!

Following graduation from Hamilton High School, Helen entered Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where she studied education, won several beauty contests (she was just as beautiful on the inside) and made many life long friendships. She had finished all of her courses and only had student teaching left to complete when she met the love of her life, Bob Rate.

Bob was a Georgia boy who was at the time serving in the 82nd Airborne Division. His best friend and fellow paratrooper was Eldon Burns (Helen's brother). Once Bob saw a picture of Helen, he knew she was the one for him and began to pursue her through letters and phone calls. Although they only saw each other twice in person, they fell madly in love and got married on October 18, 1952 in a formal military wedding with family there and an honor guard of paratroopers. They honeymooned in Atlanta and began a long (almost 70 year) love affair and happy life.

After several years living in Southern Pines, NC (where they loved playing golf on the beautiful courses) and Fort Bragg, NC, they moved to Stuttgart, Germany for 4 years. They were able to travel extensively through Europe during that time and loved to recount stories of their adventures. They eventually moved to Atlanta, became members of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church and built a beautiful life here together surrounded by family (including Bob's brothers George and Jack and their wives) and many friends.

Bob and Helen always said their lives were complete after their only child, Candy, was born. Helen and Candy were extremely close and loved to spend time together laughing and talking. She truly was the kindest, most wonderful mother anyone could ever hope for. Once Helen's grandchildren, Matt and Julie, were born, they were such a joy to her. She loved nothing more than attending all their activities, having sleepovers, Sunday family lunches and lots of beach vacations! When great grandchildren entered the picture, Helen was beside herself with joy. Connor, Jack, Emma and Ava truly were the lights of her life and brought her so much happiness in her last years.

Our family wishes to thank our wonderful friend Maria Olivier (who is family to us) as well as the staff at Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Tranquility Hospice for their loving care during Helen's final days. Lakeside Funeral Home in Woodstock is in charge of arrangements. A private service will be held for immediate family with Reverend Ron Hughes from Johnson Ferry Baptist Church officiating, but we ask for your prayers in the days ahead as we honor our beautiful Helen Ann. She will always be remembered and loved.  What a blessing it was to have her in our lives. Because Helen loved animals so much, we invite you to donate to the animal rescue group of your choice in lieu of flowers.