Helen Metropol Katsos, 92 ,widow of John Katsos, died Thursday, May 29, 2014.
Born in 1922 in the Metropol family home on Brooks Street, she was the eldest daughter of Greek immigrants Jack and Jennie Metropol. She was known by many titles, including Mom, Yiayia, Thea Eleni and Miss Helen, just to name a few.
She was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Columbia. Everyone knew Miss Helen: She was the face that greeted you at the Central Coffee Shop in Manning with a cup of coffee, alongside her brothers, who ran the family-owned restaurant started by her father in 1902. She was the one who showed up at your house with a freshly baked cake in times of celebration and with trays of food in times of sadness. She will be dearly missed by all.
The devoted matriarch of a large, extended family, she found the love of her life in another Greek immigrant: John James Katsos of Carthage, N.C. John and Helen Metropol Katsos were married almost 60 years. She loved all people, especially her amazing family.
Survivors include a loving daughter, Angela Katsos Kiehling of Charleston; a brother, Dr. Harry Metropol of Columbia; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Riley Katsos of Purcellville, Va.; six dear grandchildren, John James Katsos II, Christina Katsos Reynolds, Charlotte Katsos Robertson, Milton Scott Katsos, Marie Kiehling Brees and Eleni Riley Katsos; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a beloved son, James John Katsos; a faithful son-in-law, Edward Peter Kiehling; two brothers, George Metropol and James Metropol; and two sisters-in-law, Penny Metropol and Phyllis Metropol.
The family will received friends from 4-7 p.m. Sunday at Stephens Funeral Home in Manning.
A traditional Greek Orthodox Trisagion service for Helen Metropol Katsos will be held 6 p.m. Sunday in the chapel of Stephens Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Friar Michael A. Plantanis. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, immediately followed by interment at Manning Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1931 Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29201. Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org
