• Kim Helper’s obituary, visitation and memorial services are pending.
  • Kim Helper, the 21st District Attorney, passed away suddenly and peacefully on March 20, 2023 after a short illness. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her death.
  • Kim lived with her family in Franklin, TN for 25 years. She turned 63 years old.

Kim Helper, the 21st District Attorney, passed away suddenly and peacefully on March 20, 2023 after a short illness. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her death.

Kim lived with her family in Franklin, TN for 25 years. She turned 63 years old.

Kim was born in Buffalo, NY, and graduated from Sweet Home High School. She then earned a bachelor’s degree from Niagara County Community College and Buffalo State University.

Before becoming a lawyer, she worked as a radio news reporter and anchor at radio stations in Buffalo, NY.

She also worked in a US Senator’s office in Washington, DC, and in public relations for the Environmental Protection Agency in New York.

Kim graduated from Stetson University in 1993 and began her career as an attorney with the Florida State Attorney’s office in Tampa from 1993-98.

She was licensed to practice law in Florida, New York and Tennessee.

Kim was a devoted wife and mother. She was married to Gerry Helper for 41 years and had two daughters, Renee and Abby Helper.

She was also survived by her mother-in-law, Karen Bartz (Don), brother-in-law Richard Helper (Lisa), Robert Helper (Jenny), Gregg Helper, and sister-in-law Kathleen Tyno (Chuck).

In addition, she was a loving pet parent to the family’s two dogs, Bug and Newt.

Kim was named the 21st district attorney in 2008 and was re-elected three times, most recently in August 2022. She celebrated 25 years of public service in Tennessee this month.

Prior to her appointment as District Attorney, Kim served as an Assistant District Attorney in the 21st District from 2003 to 2008 and in the Attorney General’s Office from 1998 to 2003.

Kim served on several governor-appointed committees, including a judicial nominating committee.

She was also a member of the Tennessee District Attorney General’s conference.

She was committed to seeking justice for all and operated with the highest degree of ethics, integrity, honesty and compassion throughout her life and career.

Kim was active with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Franklin, TN, where she served at various times in the sacristy and as a Sunday school teacher.

She was heavily involved with numerous local charities, including My Friend’s House, the Davis House Child Advocacy Center, and Williamson County CASA, among many others.

Kim was known for her sense of humor and perspective, which made her a special, caring and loving person.

In addition to her professional career and community involvement, Kim had many passions.

She enjoyed visiting Disneyworld regularly with her daughters Renee and Abby, decorating the family home for various holidays, collecting a doll collection, shopping, and following the Buffalo Bills and Nashville Predators.

Kim’s last selfless act was to donate some of her organs so others can live on. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, colleagues and the community she served.