Helen Lewis Dees, age 88, died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, January 14, 2019 at the Brookdale Assisted Living facility in Prescott, AZ. At the time she was also receiving care from Good Samaritan Society Prescott Hospice.
Helen was born on April 2, 1930 in Elko, GA to John Tine Lewis and Ruby Jean Teal Lewis. Helen was one of six children; Earl, John, Betty Jean, Mary and Carolyn. After graduating from Georgia College for Women with a degree in teaching she moved to Jacksonville, FL and started teaching elementary school. It was here that she met Johnny L. Dees, the love of her life. Lasting just shy of 64 years, one of the main chapters in Helen’s life started with a blind date. Their first date included the movie musical, “Three Little Words”. A song in the movie had the same name and some of the lyrics were, “..three little words, eight little letters, which simply mean I love you!” Dear family and friends, that is what some would call destiny.
Helen and John’s union came to total fruition when they were blessed with their sons, David and John Lawrence. Then came the granddaughters; Catherine, Victoria and Sarah. Only other grandparents can fully understand this joy in life!
Woven throughout Helen’s wonderful life was her unwavering belief in God. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was a member of the United Methodist Church. At Lakewood UMC in Jacksonville, she and John participated in various aspects of the church, including the choir and teaching Sunday school classes. They later followed a young pastor, Gee Sprague, to CrossRoad UMC. They were inspired by Pastor Gee’s contemporary approach to connecting the “imperfect” with Jesus.
Loved ones that will miss Helen until they meet again include; sons David Lewis (Debbie) and John Lawrence (Cindy) Dees; granddaughters Catherine, Victoria and Sarah; brother Earl; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as other family members and friends.
Helen Dees was a woman of integrity and strength. She loved her family, friends and neighbors. She enjoyed playing and watching tennis and was a gourmet cook for her family and friends for many years. She will be greatly missed by those of us fortunate enough to have known her. It is with sadness we say, “Goodbye”, but with honor and joy we will remember you.
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