Elizabeth Helms' Obituary
Elizabeth Helms, age 105, lifelong educator.
Elizabeth was born in 1917 in Morgan County, Alabama to O.J. and Dona Farris. She was one of ten children, nine of whom survived into their senior years. She was married to fellow teacher Harvey Helms for 57 years and taught in Muskegon for nearly 30 years, primarily at Nims Elementary.
In many ways, teaching was a near-perfect fit because Elizabeth loved children – her many students over the years as well as her own two. She was an avid reader who relished instilling that love of learning in young, inquisitive minds. Second grade was particularly satisfying because the kids were sweet, funny, and very curious.
Elizabeth and Harvey went back to school for their master’s degrees when their kids were young teens by commuting back and forth to Western University. They firmly believed in the value of an education.
Family was of major importance. Elizabeth and Harvey staunchly believed in encouraging and supporting their kids in their many interests of music, art, sports, camps, animals, and nature. Together they loved traveling to all 48 contiguous states, attending many concerts, plays and school events. Elizabeth loved a rousing game of football and could be quite the vocal viewer. She was also an excellent seamstress.
Leaving to cherish her memory are daughter Kay (Knud) Hansen, son Harvey; granddaughters Lauren Hansen (Igor Houwat), Jennifer Helms, Erin Hansen (Alicia), and Anne (Jim) Curtis; great grandchildren Naomi, Meredith, Aidan, Nicole, and Jimmy (Candace); sisters-in-law Grace Porter of Muskegon, Earlene Farris of Double Springs, Alabama, Verna Case of Stone Mountain, Georgia, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mom, you will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Service will be held 3:00PM, Thursday, December 8 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 2:00 – 3:00PM. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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