Helen Jean Motter (Manuel)

Helen Jean Motter (Manuel), 76, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Helen was born on March 9, 1950, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the youngest of 4 children. During her childhood, her family moved several times, and she lived in both Aruba and Rye, New York. On June 12, 1971, she married the love of her life, Greg Motter, and together they shared 55 years of marriage, building a family rooted in faith, love, service, and a great appreciation for music.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Elva Manuel and her sister Janice Manuel. Helen is survived by her devoted husband, Greg Motter; her children, Leslie (Paul) Dahlen, Elizabeth (Steve) Hofer, and Stephen (Briana) Motter; her eight granddaughters Allegra and Chelsea Dahlen; Isabella, Alexis, Abigail, and Eleanor Hofer; Abigail and Adeline Motter. She is also survived by her sister, Anita Manuel; her brother, Lawrence Manuel; her sister-in-law, Kim Motter McCaffrey; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

From an early age, Helen was dedicated to playing the violin. When she was just 16, she moved to England, near the White Cliffs of Dover, to live in a boarding school and receive advanced musical training. She then went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London, studying under world-renowned music professors, and earning her Licentiate Degree in violin.

Upon returning to the United States, she continued her studies at Trenton State College and played with the Trenton Symphony Orchestra in Trenton, New Jersey. During this time, she met and married Greg, who is also a

talented musician. Throughout their lifetime, they used their gifts in instrumental music to enrich the lives of others.

Helen and Greg moved their family of 5 from the East Coast to Minnesota when their children were 11, 8, and 2, in response to God's calling on their lives to pursue missions. In 1984, they moved to Bethany Fellowship and were students for 3 years at Bethany Missionary Training Center. Then they joined staff and continued to live and work on campus until 1993, supporting the vision of training and sending missionaries worldwide.

Helen earned an Associate of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Bethany College of Missions in Bloomington, MN. Later, she earned a Master of Arts in Church Music from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH.

A gifted musician, Helen was an accomplished, professional violinist for most of her life. From Minnesota, Helen & Greg moved to Bowling Green, KY. For two decades Helen performed with Orchestra Kentucky, an organization for which she was one of the founding members. Over the years, she has played in several symphony orchestras, string ensembles, and with quite a few internationally acclaimed musicians. She has performed in numerous concerts and played for countless weddings, funerals, and church services. She has taught violin lessons, directed choirs, transposed and even composed music. Helen spent a lifetime bringing glory to God through her music, inspiring both audiences and fellow musicians with whom she played.

In addition to her musical career, Helen dedicated 30 years of her life to working with Bethany House Publishers as a book editor, specifically in the area of Christian historical fiction. She edited books for several of the leading authors in the Christian publishing world. She loved helping authors perfect their craft and seeing the message of the gospel woven throughout their captivating stories. She saw the impact that Christian literature made in changing people's lives. In fact, both she and her husband came to Christ early in their marriage, after reading works by Christian authors. In her later years, Helen also wrote and published two novels of her own.

Despite her many achievements, Helen was full of humility. She was kind, unassuming, generous with her time, and she put the needs of others before her own. She greatly treasured her family. She was a loving and devoted wife. She was a mom who loved spending time with her children, in every phase of their lives. She was a constant encourager to each of them. She was full of wisdom, yet down to earth. She was calm and gentle, yet quick to laugh and find the humor in things. She always had a smile on her face. She was an amazing listener and she always had time for her family, no matter what other commitments she had in life. She felt blessed to see each of her children happily married and she loved and faithfully prayed for each of her 8 granddaughters.

Helen enjoyed solitude and spending quiet time with the Lord. She delighted in Scriptures such as this, "We have this hope as an anchor for our soul, firm and secure." Hebrews 6:19. Those who knew Helen will remember her gentle spirit, her servant's heart, her love of music, her quiet strength, and her genuine concern for others. She had a unique ability to make people feel valued and loved, and her influence will continue through the many lives she touched.

While her family grieves her loss, they find comfort and peace in knowing that Helen is free from suffering. She is now in the presence of Jesus, the Savior she loved and faithfully followed throughout her life.

A memorial service will take place on July 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM at The Bridge Church, 301 Red Coat Run, Clarksville, TN 37043. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the time of service.

Please visit Helen's tribute wall and share a memory with the family.