Helen Harper

Helen Harper, daughter of John Preston Kincannon & Velma Love (Harper) Kincannon, was born October 12, 1921 in the Taylor community (Johnson County, IL). 

She departed this life Monday morning, August 9, 2004, at 10:07 AM at the Massac Memorial Hospital in Metropolis, IL. At the time of her passing, Helen had attained the age of 82 years 9 months & 28 days.

Helen was united in marriage to Todd Harper on December 9, 1939 in Cape Girardeau, MO. He preceded her in death on April 29, 1991.

Survivors include: 2 Sons – Jack & Jackie Harper of Vienna, IL and John F. & Liz Harper of Florence, MS; 2 Daughters – Velma Lauderdale of Wolf Lake, IL and Mary Ellen & Richard Stroh of Marion, IL; 9 Grandchildren – Beth Hudson of Wolf Lake, IL, Time Lauderdale of Wolf Lake, IL Jerrod & Veronica Harper of Haslet, TX, Lauren Harper of Florence, MS, Emily Hofmister of Florence, MS, Decca Harper of Paducah, KY, Tod & Lindsey Childers of Buncombe, IL, Nicole Stroh of Marion, IL & Daniel Stroh of Marion, IL; 6 Great Grandchildren – Nicole Hudson, Jamie Brandon, Clayton Childers, Trenton Childers, Zachary Harper & Kaitlyn Harper.

In addition to her Parents & Husband, Helen was preceded in death by: a Son-in-Law – Darrell Lauderdale & a Granddaughter – Angie Childers.

Helen was a homemaker. She enjoyed rug making & quilting. She gave many of her handmade rugs & quilts to family members & friends. She had recently completed & donated quilts to the Methodist Children’s Home. Helen was an avid reader & enjoyed writing. She had just recently finished her personal autobiography. Helen was a loving & devoted Mother & Grandmother.
Helen was an active & dedicated member of the Taylor United Methodist Church. She also regularly attended the Pulley’s Mill Pentecostal Church.
Helen loved the Lord and her Christian service. She served as a Lay Minister & was a former Board member for the Eagle House Ministries.

Helen had been employed in the Dietary Dept. of the Vienna Correctional Center. She also served as a Johnson County Election Judge.

Funeral services will be held Thursday morning, August 12, 2004, at 11 Am at the Taylor United Methodist Church. Rev. Dennis Fager & Rev. Alan Milligan will officiate. Interment will be in the Taylor Cemetery.

Friends may call after 5 PM Wednesday, August 11, 2004, at the Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. The body will lie-in-state at the church from 10 AM – 11 AM Thursday.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, or to the charity of the Donor’s Choice.