Margaret Helms, 81, of Macclenny
Margaret Jean Thomas Voorhees Helms, 81, of Macclenny died at her home on July 12, 2011 surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 20, 1930 in Clearwater to Raymond Alison Thomas and Martha Holmes Dykes Thomas. She was a fun-loving, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved being involved with all family activities and lived for her family.
Her life’s work was devoted to the education of children. In 1960, she and Willa Jean Walker opened the first public kindergarten in Macclenny, Busy Beaver Kindergarten. Then she worked with the Baker County School System from 1968 until her retirement in 1988.Margaret was an active Christian and a life-long member of First Baptist Church of Macclenny. In recent years she attended First Assembly of God of Macclenny.
She was predeceased by her first husband Donald E. Voorhees; brother John Ray Thomas; sister Dorothy Cook.
Survivors include devoted husband of 19 years Theron Helms; sister Elizabeth Sutherland; son Richard W. (Susan) Voorhees; daughter Martha Anne (Darrell) Giddens; stepsons Troy (Joy) Helms and Steven (Lauren) Helms; grandchildren Ashley Giddens (Joshua) Potts, Adam D. (Sarah) Giddens, Alison Rae Voorhees, R.J. (Casey) Voorhees, Callihan Helms, Ellie Helms, Jackson Helms, Rosie Helms, Hudson Helms and Ruby Helms; three great-grandchildren.
The funeral service was July 15 at First Assembly of God in Macclenny with Pastor Joshua Potts and Dr. Edsel Bone officiating. Interment followed at Woodlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were R.J. Voorhees, Adam Giddens, Callihan Helms, Juston Wignall, Jonathan Wignall and Clifton Wignall.
Giddens-Reed Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.