Helma E. McPhail

Helma E. McPhail, 79 of Farmersville passed away Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at her daughter’s home in Pittsfield with family by her side.

She was born Aug. 7, 1941 in Staunton, the daughter of Walther and Marie Meier Henke.

She married George W. McPhail on Sept. 1, 1963 at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Farmersville and he preceded her in death on May 23, 2014. She was also preceded by her parents and a sister, Bertha Duewer.

Helma graduated from Memorial Hospital Nursing School as the last RN class of 1962.  She worked in Jacksonville at Holy Cross Hospital for 2 years. She then started her career as the nurse for Dr. William Conroy at Springfield Clinic for 24 years.  She later worked at State of Illinois Healthcare and Family Services until she retired in 2001.

She was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Farmersville.  Helma was also a member of Farmersville Fire Department women’s waterball team.  She enjoyed gardening, canning and planting flowers.  She was crafty, painted ceramics and quilting. 

In her spare time, she and George loved camping and going to Southern Gospel concerts throughout the US.  After her retirement, they spent their winters in Florida, where they continued to enjoy their gospel music and the outdoors. 

Surviving are her three daughters, Brenda Beal of Jacksonville, Donna (Brandon) Snyder of Springfield and Missy (Mary) McPhail of Pittsfield; four grandchildren, Peyton (Chris) Beal, Danyon Beal, Faith and Jonah Snyder; two siblings, Erwin Henke of Virden and Dorothy Caudle of Farmersville; several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10am till time of services at 12noon, Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at Bramley Funeral Home, Divernon with Rev. Brian Lester officiating.  Burial will be in Brush Creek Cemetery, Divernon.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s or Lester’s gospel group.

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