Marie M. Helms

JOHNSON-HUGHES FUNERAL HOME Marie M. Helms-Obituary Energy-Marie M. Helms, The gentle and kind spirit of Marie ascended from this earth at 6:50 P.M., Saturday, November 9, 2002 at Herrin Hospital. She blessed her family with 90 years of love, warmth, strength, compassion, and grace. Her pure heart giving those around her direction on how to live a gracious and giving life. Mable Marie Sellars was born a Kentucky girl on July 15, 1912 in Somerset, Kentucky to Robert E. & Pearl (McPheron) Sellers. Her parents brought their family north, seeking work in the Southern Illinois coal fields. It was here that Marie met and fell in love with a young coal miner, Joe Helms. They were married on December 6, 1934. Together they raised three children, Jim, Betty and Crickett. It has been said that Marie developed most of her grace and compassion and all of her patience raising these children. Living through the depression, suffering illness, raising children, the sub-conscious fear of marring a coal miner who may not come home, all of these gave Marie the quiet strength that most mothers and wives possessed during that time. A strength she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Marie was a member of the First Apostolic Church in Herrin Survivors include: Daughter & Son In Law: Betty & Lloyd Summers of Energy Daughter & Son In Law: Crickett & Mike Ladd of Thompsonville, IL. Sixteen Grandchildren who lovingly called her "Little Granny Rie" Twenty Nine Great Grandchildren Eleven Great Great Grandchild. Through them, her legacy and memory will remain for generations. Sister: Odessa Ward of Energy Sister: Flora Wright of Energy Brother: Kenneth Sellars of San Anglo, TX. Brother: Jack Sellars of Colp She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Jim, one grandchild, two sisters, Christine Smith and Pauline Deming and one brother, Noble Sellars. "Her children arise up and call her blessed, her husband praises her." Ecclesiastes 7:20. Marie's children feel they are blessed to have such wonderful parents, and such a loving and precious mother. She gave all who knew her happy moments and warm memories to cherish throughout their lives. She will be missed by all. Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at the Johnson- Hughes Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Schell officiating. Burial will follow at the Herrin City Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Lone Oak Baptist Church Building Fund. Memorial envelopes are available at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home.