Winifred P. Helmly

Winifred Prince Helmly, 92, died on May 24, at her Athens residence. She was born in the small Morgan County community of Godfrey, GA, the youngest of four daughters. Winifred graduated from Madison High School, and received her Bachelor of Science from Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville (now Georgia College and University). She began her working career in Fashion Merchandising, attaining a position with Macy’s Federated Stores where she met her future husband. In 1963, Winifred and Ben Helmly were married and began their life together in Savannah. Soon after their marriage, Winifred returned to school at the University of Georgia where she earned her Masters of Education. She embarked on a long and rewarding teaching career in Chatham County Schools, spending 36 of those years teaching Business Education at H. V. Jenkins High School in Savannah. She also served as FBLA Advisor and coordinated Job Placement for her students. Winifred loved her students and maintained close contact with many of them throughout the years.

Winifred and Ben enjoyed living in Savannah, and loved entertaining family and visitors in their residence located in a historic and picturesque area overlooking the Savannah River. Prior to Ben’s untimely death in 1993, they traveled extensively to beautiful and interesting places in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and throughout the world.

Following her retirement in 2001, Winifred relocated to Athens to live closer to family. She joined the Athens First United Methodist Church, participated in senior groups with several area churches, Retired Educators, and enjoyed taking classes at the Athens YWCO.  She took advantage of the many benefits of living in a university community with a diverse offering of cultural programs and musical performances. She also became an enthusiastic supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs. Winifred continued to travel with friends as long as she could. After moving to Orchard of Athens Senior Living in 2020, she formed new friendships with residents and staff, and enjoyed the many activities and entertainment offered there.

Winifred was preceded in death by her husband Benjamin Franklin Helmly; her parents, Oscar Guy Prince and Annie Mae Vaughn Prince; three older sisters: Annie Maude Daniel, Lautrelle Love, and Margaret Crawford; and her nephew William Henry (Billy) Daniel.

She is survived by her nieces Marianne Crawford Hale (David), and Charlene Daniel Carpenter (Tony); four great nieces: Tristen Daniel, Ann Daniel Cunningham, Judy Daniel Cribb (Jeff), and Catherine Hale Hower (Bryce); and several great great nieces and nephews and cousins. Additional survivors include her husband Ben’s nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Winifred’s memory to Athens First United Methodist Church – General Fund, and mailed to Athens First United Methodist Church, 327 N. Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA   30601.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, June 4, at 2:30 pm, at Lord and Stephens East Chapel, with a Visitation period beginning at 1:30 pm.

Graveside services will take place at Rincon Cemetery on Thursday, June 6, at 1:00 p.m.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com