Helen Sue Gordon Kirst

Mrs. Helen Gordon Kirst passed away suddenly and peacefully during her daily devotional, on August 16, 2022, in her North Carolina home - the same home in which she was born over 92 years earlier. Helen’s family is greatly comforted by this personification of her deep & abiding faith. One of seven children, Helen was born on June 17, 1930, in Pilot Mtn., NC, to Robert & Minnie Gordon.

After graduating valedictorian of her high school class in Pilot Mtn., Helen attended business school. In 1953 she moved to Orlando. Shortly thereafter she met the love of her life, John A. Kirst, while he was home for summer break from Emory Univ. Dental School. Wearing a hat and white gloves, Helen caught John’s eye at First United Methodist Church. He proposed on their third date, and they were married the following summer.

The newlyweds moved to the island of Okinawa where John was a dentist and Captain in the United States Army. In 1958 Helen and John, and their newborn daughter, moved back to Orlando where John established his dental practice. They expanded their family with two more children, and their love affair endured for over 52 years, until John’s death in 2007.

Helen deeply loved her family, and she was a tireless cheerleader for her children and grandchildren. Known as “GEGU,” a name assigned by her granddaughter, Helen was iconic to generations of families who’s children randomly rang her doorbell for a giggle and a hug. Everyone in Helen’s orbit benefitted from her love, compassion and candor.

Helen remained a lifelong, active member of her beloved First United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Country Club of Orlando, The Rosalind Club, and The Orlando Chapter of the DAR. Helen’s volunteer spirit, work ethic and skills inspired her family, her church and those that served with her as fellow board members.

Helen is also predeceased by her parents, her three brothers (Rex, Vance & Bud) and one sister (Bonnie). Helen is survived by her children, Viki Leedy (Bill), John A. “Skip” Kirst, Jr. (Eric Hogan) of Orlando and Jennifer Landis of Huntsville, AL; grandchildren, Kirsten Leger (Christian) and Chapman Leedy; great grandsons, Ford and Foster Leger; two sisters, Jacqueline (96) and Nancy (90), as well as many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Helen’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, August 26, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church of Orlando. In lieu of flowers the family requests that any gifts be made “in Helen Kirst’s memory” to either: First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 142 E. Jackson St., Orlando, FL 32801, or to The Rosalind Club Capital Legacy Fund, 11 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL 32801.