RACNE – Mrs. Wilma Louise Helm (nee Brown), 82, passed away at Ascension All Saints on Sunday, March 20, 2022.

She was born in Murphysboro, IL on May 28, 1939, the daughter of the late John Chavis and Mamie Brown.  Wilma married Earnest Helm on May 26, 1960.  Earnest preceded her in death.

Wilma worked as a nursing assistant for Lincoln Lutheran Nursing Home, Ridgewood Care Center and St. Mary's Hospital.  However, she was first and foremost a homemaker; caring for her husband and children.

Wilma enjoyed reading the Bible and listening to music, especially Anita Baker and Rance Allen. Her true calling/passion was helping and caring for others rather it be in the family, friends, or someone she meets in passing. She didn't or wouldn't leave any stone uncovered even if she was left with nothing.

She is survived by her sons and daughters, James Brown of Aberdeen SD, Ernestine Brown, Charles (Marilyn) Helm, John (Denise) Helm and Lucretia Helm all of Racine, WI, and Ernest (Carolyn) Helm, of Tampa, FL, ; her brothers, James (Lorraine) Watson of Kankakee, IL, Jesse Watson and Anthony (Ursula) Watson, of Champaign, IL, and Dobie (Silvia) Watson of Carbondale, IL; her sisters, Luzetta (Brian) Gibbs of Carbondale, IL, Brenda Watson of California, Wanda Johnson of Indianapolis, IN, Ruth (William) Simmons and Teresa Simmons both Racine, WI, and Rachel Thomas of Bloomington, IL; her grandchildren, Angelica Ross of Los Angeles, CA, Charles A. Helm of Atlanta, GA; Valencia (Jeremy) Koker of Chicago, IL, Curt (Tessa) Thompson, Lieeq Liggins, Eljay Helm, Reginald Helm, John R. Helm, and Justin Helm all of Racine, WI, Marcus Smith, Joliet IL, Brandon Helm, Janesville, WI; her great grandchildren, Daiquan Thompson, Curt Luevano-Thompson Jr., Charly Thompson, Destiny Brown, Journey Thompson, Heaven Thompson, Canaan Thompson, Dyshyia Hunter, Li'kia Liggins, Li'sheena Liggins, Takayis Golden, Mya Smith, LaTavia Smith, Isaiah Reqana Smith, Carter C. Koker, Carter C. Helm Eljay Helm Jr, Janeva Helm; her great-great granddaughter, Lai'ani-ki'mora Liggins; as well as many nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Geneva Helm; her great grandson, Jaire Ahmeir Helm; her brother, Johnny Watson and her sisters, Floretta Garret, Mary Smith, and Delois Chavis;  as well as  her special uncles, Norman and Joe Brown. Special thanks to Ascension ICU and the nurses and aids at the Villa Nursing Home for the love and care shown.

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Saturday, APRIL 2, 2022 , for a visitation from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. A service celebrating her life will follow at 4:00 p.m.  You may watch the service via livestream by clicking on this link at 4:00 p.m. https://youtu.be/nYNE_o6ljUs

Acknowledgement

Perhaps you sent a comforting message, or sat quietly in a chair; perhaps you sent a florist spray; If so, we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words as any friend can say, perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts we thank you so much, whatever the part.

Gratefully Submitted  – The Helm Family