Lucy Mabel Helm, age 101, of Flora, Illinois, and formerly of Olney and Clay City, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Friday, February 2, 2024, at Clay County Hospital.

      Born December 14, 1922, in Knobel, Arkansas, she was the cherished daughter of Ralph Shirley Wilder and Anna Elizabeth (Summers) Wilder.  Lucy's life was joined in marriage with Dr. John Edmund Helm Sr. on July 26, 1974.  Their union, marked by love and companionship, lasted 31 years until his passing on October 15, 2005.

      Affectionately known as “Granny” to her family, Lucy was celebrated for her spirited and resilient nature.  She was a champion of kindness, always ensuring fairness and care for those around her. Cooking was not just a hobby but her way of expressing love, teaching four generations the art of home cooking.  Her renowned specialties, especially her delicious fudge, Christmas candies, and sour cream coffee cake, became staples at the family table.  She was happiest when she could share them with others and was proudest whenever someone requested her recipes.  Up until transitioning from her home in 2018 at the remarkable age of 94, Lucy continued the cherished tradition of hosting Sunday dinners for her family.

      Lucy's passions extended beyond the kitchen.  She found joy in gardening, lovingly tending to her flowers, and was an avid reader, finishing her latest book just a few months ago.  Professionally, she was an integral part of her husband’s ophthalmology practice at the Weber Medical Clinic in Olney, offering her support and assistance until his retirement in 1981.  Their retirement years were spent enjoying being together.  They were truly soulmates and shared their love with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

      She is survived by her grandchildren: Cathy (Bill) Croy, Kevin (Tasha) Crown, and Melissa Leonberger; great-grandchildren: Adam (Lindsey) Croy, Jill (Nathan) Vock, Vanessa (Dustin) Pastrovich, Tyson Crown, Maddie Crown, and soon expected baby boy Crown; great-great-grandchildren: Reiston and Griffin Croy, Kennedy Davis, Sophia and Liam Vock, and Phoebe and Ben Pastrovich; son-in-law: Loren Dunigan; and daughter-in-law: Adele Crown.    

      She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; children: Davetta Dunigan, Lanny Crown, and Ralph Crown; a great-great-grandson: Parker; and siblings: Howard S. Wilder, Violet Leatha Wilder, Arthur R. Wilder, Bertha Jane Wilder Johns, Bessie Wilder Cooper, and Edward Earl Wilder.

      A memorial ceremony at Crest Haven Memorial Park in Claremont will be announced.  Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Memorial donations are suggested to Friends of the Flora Public Library, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com