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Visitation: 5 until 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora
Memorial Mass: 11 a.m. Friday, April 14, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Olney
Interment: St. Stephen Cemetery, Flora
Mary Helen “Heidi” Powless of Olney
On April 6th, Helen left this world gracefully; being held by her children and surrounded by loved ones as she transcended to the heavens. She was born February 11, 1957, in Flora, Illinois, the daughter of James Carroll and Virginia Lucille (McGannon) Sulsberger. Helen married John Dale Powless II on October 5, 1985, and together they raised three children, Cord, Heidi, and Taylor.
She had an unbounding love for people, especially those who might be overlooked or less privileged. One of her favorite positions was working in special needs education. Helen never met a stranger and made friends everywhere she went, connecting with everyone in the room. She has dear friends scattered throughout the United States, many were made as she lived in New Mexico, Kentucky, Louisiana and Illinois.
Helen was a lifelong cheerleader. First with the Flora Wolves, then the OCC Knights, and cheering on her New Orleans Saints. A tried and true fan, rooting them on when the SAINTS were the AINTS, to the days of becoming Super Bowl champions. Most importantly, Helen was the biggest cheerleader for her husband and her children.
Helen did everything by leading with heart. She was known for her sense of humor, contagious laugh, and smile. This grew and was nurtured by her family. Helen was one of nine Sulsberger children. Having lost her own mother at a young age and being raised in part by her siblings, she was later known as “Mama Helen,” a mother figure to many. Helen loved to entertain and had an open-door policy to all. She thrived in the heart of her home, the kitchen, playing her favorite music, dancing, cooking, and always surrounded by roars of laughter. Helen’s talents for cooking were second to none with some of her signature meals highlighting her Louisiana roots. She loved to joke and was known for having a dry sense of humor with a touch of sarcasm.
She often stated her best achievement in life was her family and children. Helen was not only a mother to Cord, Heidi, and Taylor, but a best friend. She has always been their biggest cheerleader, and now their guardian angel.
She is survived by her husband, John Powless II; her 3 doting children: Cordell “Cord” (Emily) Powless, Heidi Powless, and Carroll “Taylor” (Michelle) Powless; siblings: Jim (Sandy) Sulsberger, Jane (Phil) Henson, Pat Ridgeway, Dan (Sally) Sulsberger, Lou (Beth) Sulsberger, Bob (Becky) Sulsberger, Ginny (Steve) Rudy, and brother-in-law Jason (Laura Jeanne) Powless; and several nieces and nephews. She will be ushering in her first grandchild, Violet Josephine Powless, who is set to arrive in May.
She was greeted in heaven by her parents, Carroll and Virginia Sulsberger; sister, Connie Kirby; her in-laws, John Powless and Deloris Powless, and a brothers-in-law: Bill Ridgeway and H.E. Kirby.
Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. A memorial mass will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Olney, with Father Mark Stec officiating. Interment will follow in St. Stephen Cemetery, Flora. Donations are suggested to St. Joe School in Olney and will be accepted through the funeral home. A last request from Helen was to have a Celebration of Life with date pending. To best honor Helen, dance like no one is watching, take time to call an old friend, and deep belly laugh with those you love. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Oct 15, 1958 - Apr 26, 2024
Oct 27, 1934 - Apr 21, 2024
May 31, 1946 - Apr 20, 2024
Aug 8, 1939 - Apr 18, 2024
Jul 20, 1934 - Apr 14, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of such a great friend. Helen loved life and she loved her family beyond compare. Music and dancing was also a part of who she was. Fly high my dear friend...until we meet again, dance on..dance on. ❤️
I’m so sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Helen and all of the family.
Our sympathies to the entire Sulsberger family in your loss. Helen was always smiling and was fun. She’s gone way too soon. She will definitely be missed by all who knew her. My heart hurts for each of you as you’re still dealing with the loss of Connie and now Helen. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with y’all during this sad and trying time. RIP Helen❤️
John and family, so sorry to hear that Helen has passed away. Our sincere condolences to all of you and the Sulsberger’s. Thinking of you all with prayers. May our Heavenly Father comfort you and your families at this time.
She was a ray of sunshine in life and brought happiness to all she met. I enjoyed spending time with her at the All 70's Reunion. That smile and laugh will be missed. My condolences to John and children, and the Sulsberger and Powless families. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
There are no words I have to express to take away your broken hearts. I loved working with Helen at the Richland County Elementary School. Her big beautiful smile and he laughter was so contagious. May the Good Lord wrap his loving arms around all of you! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love and Hugs! Harold & Cindy Foerster
Sorry for your loss Our condolences
I’m so sad to see this. Helen and her mischievous smile will be missed by many, but she’ll be welcomed in heaven by many loved ones. RIP my friend! 💔
We're so very sorry to hear of Helen's passing. We'll keep your family in our prayers.
Helen was a bright light, in our lives, she will be missed by all who loved her!
I'm so sad Helen left us so soon. Her million dollar smile and vivacious personality will carry on in our hearts forever. Sending heartfelt thoughts and condolences to her entire family. I, and so many others will miss her dearly. ❤️
Saying goodbye is never easy, but especially to someone as lovely as Helen. May God wrap his loving arms around her family at this time.
Grateful for the the chats an visits we had.heaven has truly gained an angel
I was so sad to hear of the passing of my ole friend Helen. My sincerest condolences for the entire family at this time. You have my deepest sympathy . Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to the family.
So very sorry to hear this. I love the Sulsberger family as my own. As I've seen others say " Dance, Dance Helen. You taught me the "bump" in the 60's!
Deepest condolences to Helen's family. She will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. A beautiful soul with a beautiful family.
It never matters if someone dies suddenly or you know it is going to happen soon because of illness, it hurts deep in your soul!!! I have so many memories with Helen!!! Rick and I are praying for you all!!!
John and my Sulsberger friends, my prayers and condolences to you all. So very sorry to hear this sad news. Helen reached out to me at a hard time in life, for which i am so grateful. May she rest in peace in Heaven.
My condolences to the family ❤️🙏❤️
John and family..I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful memorial on Helen with much more love too numerous to mention. May God comfort you all...
So sorry for your loss.🙏🏻
John, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. Helen was always such a kind loving person and she will be missed.
So so sorry to hear of Helen's passing. Such a special lady & friend. Sending our love & prayers to the family.
Bob and I were very sorry to hear of Helens passing! She had such a zealous for life and kind heart! I know how deeply she will be missed. Please know you have our deepest sympathy! Sending healing hugs and love your way, Bob and Brenda Beard
So sorry to hear of Helen's passing. Our prayers to all the family
Prayers for the family. Cannot express our sympathy. May God cover you in comfort
Helen was a special person and friend to all. She is gone to soon. John, their children and all your family are in my prayers.
So very sorry to hear of Helen’s passing Prayers for her family
Sorry for your loss. God Bless & Prayers.
Our thoughts & prayers to the family. So sorry to hear of Helen's passing. 🙏
John, Cord, Heidi & Taylor, I am sorry to hear about the passing of Helen. I remember and cherish the St. Joe days with our children. Helen, you were a true friend to all of us. You are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Lauren, Genevieve, Dominic, Ginny, and Steve, Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your aunt and sister. We are so very sorry. Many prayers have been said on your behalf during your time of grief. Sending our love to all of you.
We so sorry to learn of Helen’s death, she enjoyed going out to Lee (Yank) & Roxie’s Wattles when young, enjoyed being on the farm, gathering eggs, chasing chickens, while her Dad & Mr. Wattles worked on oil well. Prayers for her Family
Our prayers go out to the family. May God wrap his arms around you and Comfort you all.
So sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. She was a wonderful lady. She will be missed. Prayers for John and family.
So very sorry for your family loss of Helen. She always had a smile, a laugh and made everyone feel welcome in her presence. She will be missed.
Words cannot express the sadness we feel for your loss. Seems like we were all family when we lived in Flora. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Much love
Helen would light up every room with her smile, and laugh. We send sympathies to all the Sulsberger families and the Powless family at your loss.
I am sorry for your loss. Helen was a kind soul, always had a smile for every one. Helen will be dearly missed. She is free from all worldly pain, Helen is free. I am sure she already knows Violet! May God bless you all. ((HUGS))
Our sympathy to the all her family and friends.
Sending prayers and love to family! 🙏🏼💔 I remember meeting Helen on the stairwell at OCC! Our deep voices made us friends forever!💖💖 I will treasure good memories always Helen! ❌⭕️🙏🏼
John and family, We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We know Helen will be missed very much and by so many. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.🙏🏼
We will all truly miss Helen's beautiful smile. God bless and comfort you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. What a wonderful person inside and out. She always had a smile on her face, and she was always so proud of all her children. She loved her family so very much. Very strong gal, and she for sure passed that onto you all. Xoxo
John,Cord,Heidi,Taylor and family! So sorry for your loss! I And my late husband Jerry loved Helen very much! I miss hearing from her! Also Her siblings,Lou,Beth and all Sulsberger families ! So sorry for you loss! Cherish your memories! Love and prayers to all!Joan
I ate lunch with Helen sometimes at ERES in Olney when we were teachers there. Her “left overs” from the night before resembled gourmet meals to the rest of us and we always wanted to know how she made such delicious smelling meals. Her sense of humor was great and I enjoyed being around her to hear her stories. She will be missed by so many.
Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Fly high Helen.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers .
Asking God to wrap His loving arms of comfort around the Sulsberger &:Powless families & give you the peace that passes ALL understanding 😥🙏
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to both the Powless and Sulsberger families.
So sorry to hear of Helen's passing. She was always fun to be around and I, too, have many good memories of our junior high and high school years. I know she will be missed.
Sympathy is extended to The Family. Sorry for Your Loss.
Cord, Taylor and Heidi. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your sweet mother. I know she was so proud of you all. God has truly gained an Angel. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
My heartfelt sympathy to the Powless and Sulsberger families. Rest in peace Helen and may God give comfort to all those who loved her.
So sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers for the family.
Pat, so sorry for your loss, also the Family & Friends of Helen May she rest in peace🙏🏻
Helen you will be dearly missed you are a wonderful person ,mother and friend to all thanks for all you and your family did thru the years lots of hugs and prayers for you . You definitely earned those wings my heart goes out to you and your family
To the Powless and Sulsberger families, we offer our deepest sympathy. May the face of the Good Lord shine upon you and give you peace.
We are just so very sorry for your loss. Helen will be remembered fondly by so many people..really by all who had the pleasure to meet her or get to spend any time with her..she always had a smile for everyone and we all loved her quick wit and infectious laugh! Tho it had been some time since I had seen her.. my memories of our earlier years and the fun we had are still clear in my mind..She will be sorely missed. We will keep all of her family and her many friends in our prayers.
Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort. We left Flora years ago but will never forget the kindness of the Powless and Sulsberger families. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Thinking of your family. Helen was a treasure that shared happiness wherever she went. Your family exudes the love that she showed and I am thankful to have known you all. Sending my best wishes to cope with your loss.
Prayers for the whole family.
John and kids, my condolences and prayers for you all in your time of loss.
Helen certainly was a cheerleader and a good one at that! She was a talented and positive member of the Flora Wolves cheerleading team. My condolences to the family.
My prayers are with the family at this difficult time,Helen was a wonderful person,going to be missed by many.
My Dear Sulsberger Family. I was so sorry to hear from Lynnie of the loss of Helen. Right now, I’m not sure I ever recognized the loss of Connie. Please know I’m sending my deepest sympathy to all. I have nothing but sincere condolences to all for your losses. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Prayers for comfort to the family. I loved her smile and she never met a stranger. She will be missed.
Our deepest sympathies are extended to John and the Powless and Sulsberger families. Helen’s vivaciousness will be missed. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.
Our condolences to her family. Danny Sulsberger you and your family are in our prayers. May your sister rest in peace. 🙏🙏
So sorry to hear about Helen. Keeping you all in my prayers during this time.
Sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and hugs . She was a beautiful lady leaving lots of memories.
Prayers and love as you celebrate your Mom’s life.
So sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. My sympathy for all her family.
I am so sorry for your loss! Keeping you all in my prayers!
I’m shocked and saddened to hear this news. John, my heart goes out to you and the kids. I’m thinking too of Ginny and the other siblings. I’m so very sorry for this huge loss in your wonderful family.
I will always have many fond memories of Helen. She was a very kind and thoughtful person, always wanting to help others. She lived a life devoted to her family. I send heartfelt prayers to all of her family.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
