VALIER — Norma Jean Helton, 78, passed away at 5:23 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, 2016, at her home.
She was born Oct. 8, 1937, in Thompsonville.
She graduated valedictorian at Valier High School Class in 1955. Norma graduated from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
She taught at Sesser-Valier Schools for 31 years, where she retired in 1998.
She was a devoted Christian. She loved God, her family, her students, animals, and reading. She had 12 foster children over the years that she loved and claimed as her own.
Suvivors include her husband of 56 years, Charles Edward Helton of Valier, daughter, Donna Sue Helton Davis and husband, Greg Davis of Springfield, Tennessee; and son, Charles Travis Helton and fiancée, Bobbie Browder of Valier, five grandchildren, Celeste Davis, Caleb Davis, Christian Davis, Courtney Helton and Matthew Helton; and two great-granddaughters, Natalee and Addison; sisters, Lois Jackson and Jane Carter; and brother, Kenneth Rusher.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sherman and Mary Irene Sullivan, both ordained Free Will Baptist ministers; sister, Juanita Burzynski and brother, Vernon Sullivan.
Arrangements per her request, are graveside services which will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, in Mount Etna Cemetery in Thompsonville. Those attending are requested to meet at the cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements.
For more information or to sign the online guest register, visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.
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