Josephine "Jo"-Helms-Obituary

Photo courtesy of A.O. Smith Funeral Home - Thomas Street Chapel

Josephine "Jo" Theis Helms

Dec 20, 1942 - Feb 7, 2026

Guest Book

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all Family an Friends have my deepest sympathy an you are in my prayers.

I will miss you sweet lady. I’m here for the family if needed.

Don and Jo were neighbors of our family in Lewisville, AR. Some of the best people I’ve ever known. They gave so much joy to us kids, and welcomed us into their home. Donna and Gary, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know that Donald was waiting for her. They loved each other so much.
Love,
Rosemary Boyette Roland

One of my favorite Aunts. My fondest memories of her were when she and Donny first got married. She was very encouraging to me in the phone calls she made to me especially when I was in the hospital myself, not too long ago. I’ll miss her for sure but, I know where she is and who she is with.

So sorry- prayers for comfort during this time

Obituary

Josephine "Jo"'s Obituary

Josephine “Jo” Theis Helms, age 83, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Jo was born to John and Annie Theis on December 20, 1942, in Mission, Texas. She enjoyed reading, baking cookies and candies and spending time with her family. Jo was a member of Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church in Hope, Arkansas. She was also the first female to get a boiler operator license in the State of Arkansas. 

Preceding Josephine in death is her husband of 63 years, Donald Wayne Helms; 2 great grandsons, Donald Blain and Robert Lee Reed Jr.; her parents, John Joseph Theis and Annie Lee Johnston Theis; 3 brothers, James Michael Theis, John Joseph Jr. (Joe Boy), and James Thomas Theis; 6 sisters, Evelyn Theis, Helen Jordan, Dorothy Fregia, Margaret Glover, Theresa Lorraine Rather and Francis Powell. 

Josephine is survived by her son, Gary (Glenda) Helms of Texarkana, AR; daughter, Donna (Jon) Lambdin of Columbia, SC; grandson, Philip (April) Helms of Bradley, AR; granddaughters, Heather (Curtis) Turner of Benton, LA, Sharon (Greg) Allen of Ashdown, AR, Hillary Whittington of Gilbert, SC, Gina (Ray) Perez of Texarkana, TX, and Lori (Bobby) Reed of Columbia, SC; step grandson, Jared Gazzolo of Genoa, AR; 16 great grandchildren, Dillon Whittington, Gabriella Gonzalez, Cameron Turner, Vada Whittington, Donna Catherine Turner, Kayla Perez, Rebecca Perez, James Wesley Turner, Tucker Helms, Matthew Helms, Sydney Reed, Nathaniel Whittington, Ethon Whittington, Ginger Allen, Georgia Allen and Emma Reed; 1 great great grandchild, Nova Gwen; 1 sister, Paticia Powell; 2 brothers in law, Burnice Powell and Marvin Helms.

Special thanks to Enhabit Hospice, especially Jennifer Joy and Shantrice Hickman, for their extraordinary compassion, steady guidance, and the gentle care they provided. Their presence made this difficult time more peaceful, and our family is deeply grateful for the comfort and dignity they helped ensure. 

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Father Raj of Our Lady of Good Hope for his spiritual support, prayers, and the comfort he brought to our family. His kindness and presence were a true blessing. 

Cremation Services are under the direction of A O Smith Funeral Home, Stamps, Arkansas. 

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