Harpy Helsvenn

Harpy Helsvenn was born on October 5, 1992, in Columbia, South Carolina. Harpy was a fierce and radiant soul who embarked on a long and courageous journey of self-discovery and transition. After decades of misdiagnoses surrounding her autism, she finally found clarity and peace in who she was and in doing so, blossomed into the vibrant, creative, funny, and compassionate person that so many came to love. The final years of her life were full of growth, self-expression, and profound joy.

Harpy had a deep passion for art, often found sketching fantastical creatures and elaborate, otherworldly designs in her ever-present sketchbook. When she wasn’t drawing, she could be heard listening to an eclectic mix of emo pop, punk pop, gothic alt-metal, trance, and EDM—always moving with a rhythm all her own.

As an avid gamer, Harpy was truly unmatched. She dominated opponents in fighting games like SNK vs. Capcom 2, Street Fighter II Turbo, Darkstalkers, and Soul Calibur 6, regularly landed her name on pinball high-score screens, built elite decks in tabletop card games, and was a wickedly skilled billiards player. She found joy in spending time with friends, dancing, staying up late to cook delicious breakfast meals, watching slice-of-life and dark fantasy anime, and sharing funny videos to brighten the day of those she loved.

Harpy was also a dedicated junior pre-law student at Michigan State University, where she pursued her passion for justice and advocacy. She was a vibrant member of the Lansing community, actively involved in LGBTQIA2S+ activism, and cherished by countless dear friends, including Addyson, Rose Mary, Wander, Étiennette, Sammy, Elliot, Lyra, London, Clementine, and so many others across TransAction MSU, the MSU Anime Club, MSU Magic: The Gathering, her Owen Hall suitemates, and peers from the MSU Colleges of Law and Nursing

Harpy is survived and missed by her loving family: her mother, Leslie Dillard Williams; her father, Franklin Pierce Williams III; her older brother, Barham Dillard Williams (Tari Desiree Holmbeck); and her younger brother, Foster Clarkson Williams (Vanessa Mosher Williams), her Cat Leyla and Puppy Lisa. She was the tallest of us all and we looked up to what she had accomplished.

Harpy is also deeply mourned by her partner of two years, Sophia Charlotte Victoria Sinclair. Their love was powerful, intimate, and life-shaping; rooted in deep vulnerability, warmth, and silly, ridiculous moments of laughter. From quiet mornings to unforgettable snowy nights that could last a lifetime… Their bond ran deep and true. That love lives on, carried fiercely in Sophia’s heart, woven into every memory they made. The strength and joy Harpy gave will stay with Sophia always, shaping who she is and who she continues to become.

Harpy was predeceased by her maternal grandmother Margaret “Peggy” Humphries Dillard (April 25, 2018), her maternal grandfather John Marshall Dillard (June 11, 2022), her paternal grandmother Jacquelyn “Jackie” Clarkson Williams (March 4, 2023), and her paternal grandfather Franklin Pierce Williams, Jr. (March 16, 1997).

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Harpy’s name to organizations supporting LGBTQIA2S+ individuals such as Trans-ilience, Salus Center in Lansing, Trans Lifeline, The Trevor Project, Advocates for Trans Equality.

Her legacy of resilience, strength and advocacy will continue to inspire everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

A celebration of Harpy’s life will be held 1 - 4 PM Sunday, March 30, 2025, at The Avenue at 2021 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912.