Helen June Smith

Helen June Smith (Mitchell), age 77, passed away on May 10^th, 2021. Helen grew up in West Virginia, the 5^th of 10 children. She grew up a true country girl, chasing wildlife barefoot with her siblings. At 16 she met the love of her life and future husband of 60 years. Eventually they moved to Michigan where Helen lived the rest of her life.

Throughout the years, Helen enjoyed working with youth as a floor hockey coach, donating to various causes, and watching her grandchildren play sports. Helen retired from the Lansing School District where she worked for over 30 years. She loved reading, traveling, movies, and was exceptional at puzzles. Her greatest joys were her children and grandchildren (and great-grandchildren).

Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gerald; parents, Basil and Julia (Gundy); brothers, Basil Jr. (Buddy), George, Kenneth, and Freddy; sisters, Kathleen, Betty and Ella (Bonnie); and grandson, Timothy. She is survived by her sister, Charlotte; brother, David; her 5 children, Janet (Roger), Teresa (Jeff), Jerry Jr., Mark (Becky), and Mike (Jackie); grandchildren, Paula (Casey), Jimmie (Heather), Joe (Shannon), Tawnee, Thomas, Dana, Tiffany (Jeff), Tabitha, Trina, Terry, Michael, Nichole (Cory), Ian, and Riley; 23 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren – all who will greatly miss her.

Helen’s family will receive visitors beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 13^th at Journey Life Church (2289 N. Cedar St., Holt) with the memorial of Helen’s life beginning at 2:00 p.m. Graveside service will follow at Maple Ridge Cemetery (4149 E. Willoughby Rd., Holt). Celebration of life will immediately follow at Journey Life Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Morley S. Oates Post #701 VFW, Lansing. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.