Phyllis Irene Megginson Helliwell, 90, of Winchester, died Monday, March 17, 2008, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville. She was the last surviving child of R.C. and Ida McCurley Megginson, born January 4, 1918, in Woodson.
She married Merle M. Helliwell November 10, 1935, at the Woodson Christian Church, and he preceded her in death December 11, 1996.
She is survived by two daughters, Geraldine Taylor (ex-husband, Richard Taylor) of Jacksonville, and Judith P. (husband, John) Craig of Winchester; four grandchildren Dennis W. (wife, Pam) Taylor, June Taylor (husband Darryl) Beard, John Ed (wife, Geri) Craig and Jay M. Craig; 10 great-grandchildren, Robert W. Taylor, Bryan A. Taylor, Shelby Thatcher, Jamie Fowler, Matt Beard, Danielle Craig, Jessica Richins, Melissa Beard, Jayson Craig and Matt Craig; and eight great-great grandchildren, Joshua Thatcher, Teryn Thatcher, Tyler Thatcher, Ella Thatcher, Braelyn Fowler, Addison Fowler, Phoenix Richins and Ayedin Taylor. She was preceded in death by ten brothers and sisters, Cecil (wife, Grace) Megginson, Bessie (husband, George) Thies, Alpha (wife Lucille) Megginson, Maude Megginson, Dewey (wife, Helen) Megginson, Sarajane (husband, Edward) Basham, Dousland (wife, Mabel) Megginson, Meda (husband, Percy) Basham, Eugene (wife, Phyllis) Megginson, and Florence (husband, Clyde) Jones.
Mrs. Helliwell loved her church, at age 9 she joined the Woodson Christian Church where she taught Sunday school, she later joined Winchester First Christian Church where she also taught Sunday school for most of her adult life. This is the most honors she could give to the Lord, to be buried in Holy Week. She supported and gave of herself in every way she could in the church, first CWF president at Winchester First Christian and other officer jobs too numerous to mention.
She loved and honored her husband Merle when they were on the farm and then helped him in the family business of Helliwell Implement Co, and the Winchester Laundromat, which they built. She loved people, so it was only fitting she was in the business of selling Avon for 26 years. First was her family in life, and she loved each and every one of them, she knew all loved her and was there when she needed them, and all were there before her death. She loved her doctors, Dr. Meyer, Dr. Plummer, and last but not least, Dr. Malcott, Her soft voice, great mind and memory was heard until the last. She loved Lawrence Welk and Larry King, and was up on the latest news. She loved to travel and traveled to Wyoming last fall to see her great- and great- great grandchildren. She loved music and played piano by ear. She loved to watch the birds and squirrels in her backyard.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2008, at the Winchester First Christian Church with burial at Memorial Lawn Cemetery.
Visitation will be after 2 p.m. Thursday at Mackey Daws Funeral Home in Winchester with family meeting friends from 4-7 p.m.
Memorials are suggested to the Winchester First Christian Church elevator fund, Southern Baptist Children's Home or Winchester EMS.
Condolences may be left at www.mackeydaws.com
Submitted by: Dale Summers