Geneva Eileen Helvey's Obituary
Geneva Eileen Helvey, age 97, of Pinckneyville, IL was welcomed home by her Heavenly Father on Thursday, March 24, 2022 after passing away peacefully at home.
Geneva was born at home on January 2, 1925 in DuQuoin, IL, the youngest of three daughters to Bryan and Irene (Marlow) Eaton. On December 7, 1946, she married Harold Lloyd Helvey in DuQuoin, IL, they shared seventy-five years together and he survives. Geneva worked at the Pinckneyville Garment Factory for several years until she married. She was an active member of Beaucoup Baptist Church in Pinckneyville for over seventy years where she served as their Church Clerk, taught Sunday School, and was a member of the Woman's Missionary Union.
At the age of 33, Geneva contracted polio, however, her faith in Christ, along with her strength and determination, allowed her to live a full and productive life. She was an avid sports fan, especially Pinckneyville Panther Basketball and the Cardinals and Cubs (depending on who was on TV that day). Geneva's love for the outdoors began at a young age growing up on the farm. Later in life, she could often be found relaxing on her porch swing or hammock with a glass of sweet tea. Her grandchildren, whom she was most proud of, will fondly remember her contagious laugh, noodles, honey mound cookies at Christmas, and canned bread and butter pickles.
Survivors include her husband, Harold Helvey; two sons, Larry (Nora Beth) Helvey and Ronald (Joann) Helvey all of Pinckneyville, IL; seven grandchildren, Bryan Helvey of Marion, IL, Kristin Helvey Harris of Carterville, IL, Susan (Jim) Garavaglia of Pinckneyville, IL, Jeanna (Aaron) Deaton of Herrin, IL, David Helvey of Pinckneyville, IL, Gabe (Christy) Helvey of Pinckneyville, IL, and Raini Reeves of DuQuoin, IL; fourteen great-grandchildren, Landon, Emma, Madison, Aidan, Daniel, Regan, Ashlyn, Austin, Braelyn, Conner, McKenna, Raelei, Carter, Cole, and another great-grandson on the way; sister-in-law Evelyn (Ira) Rushing of Pinckneyville, IL; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter Rhonda Kaye Helvey; two sisters Lorraine (Howard) Ozburn and Virginia (Beak) McCrary; nephews Don Ozburn, Bill Ozburn, and Perry Rushing; niece Judy McCrary Childers; brothers-in-law Albert (Cathy) Helvey and Paul (Gloria) Helvey; and sister-in-law Wanda (Orval) Slusher.
Funeral services will be held at Beaucoup Baptist Church, Pinckneyville IL on Monday, March 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Brother Mark Lee officiating. Interment will follow at Mueller Hill Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL.
Visitation will be at Beaucoup Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Sunday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Monday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the Annie Armstrong Mission Offering or the Beaucoup Baptist Church Major Building Fund.
Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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