Darlene Ann Helms

Age 86 transitioned to her Heavenly home surrounded by her family on March 27, 2022, at McLaren Flint. Darlene was born in Flint on February 29, 1936. Her parents were Willard Cannon and Marion (Trafford) Shepard, who preceded her in death. Darlene attended Beecher High School, graduating with the Class of 1954. She married Walter Helms in 1956 while working at Citizens Bank. Her next great accomplishments were her four children: Sharlene, Denise, Dawn, and Charles. Darlene was a very active person. Some of the things she did were working at the schools that her children attended, working for General Motors in the Accounts Payable Department, and getting her life membership in the Order of the Eastern Stars. Darlene’s hobbies included playing Bunko, reading, word searches, playing Yahtzee, and watching Family Feud. Darlene is survived by her children: Sharlene Blake, Denise (Brian) McDonald, Charles Helms; 9 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; brother, Dan (Joyce) Cannon. Darlene was preceded in death by the father of her children, Walter Helms; daughter, Dawn Helms; grandson, Shawn Helms; great-grandsons, Jordan and Austin Rohde; son-in-law, George McDonald. The family requests all donations are made payable to them. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Rode and the Visiting Nurses of McLaren. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, on Saturday, April 1, 2022, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris. Pastor Dale Lewis to officiate, with burial to follow at Flint Memorial Park Cemetery. Darlene’s family will be present to receive friends on Friday from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm and again on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 noon. On Friday evening at 6:30 pm, family and friends will gather for an Order of the Eastern Star memorial service. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Darlene’s tribute page at martinfuneralhome.com. Darlene’s obituary was lovingly written by her family.