Joyce Helms Obituary
Joyce Lucinda (Larkins) Helms, 69, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away Sunday, September 7, 2025 after a brief battle with cancer at home with her loved ones by her side. Born March 29, 1956 in Galesburg, the daughter of John D. and Colleen J. (Sage) Larkins.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Helms; two brothers, Dale (Pam) Larkins and Tim (Becky) Larkins, both of Galesburg; three sisters: Janet Pierce of Galesburg, Judi (Don) Jarvis of Rock Island, Illinois, and Julie Baldwin of Ohio. Joyce is also survived by many more of her loving Helms family and their spouses; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; two aunts; one uncle; many cousins; and her sweet beloved puppies, Rascal and Riley.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her daughter, Michelle Hopkins.
Joyce enjoyed reading, collecting cookbooks, knitting with her sister-in-law’s and spending time with her family. She was a life long Pittsburgh Steeler fan. Joyce dedicated over 30 years at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in numerous positions spending most of her years in materials and management in Galesburg.
Her family would like to give a special thank you to Ernie and Keith for keeping an eye out for Joyce, the doctors and palliative care team in Iowa City, the Bettendorf Oncology group, and OSF Hospice for all that you do.
A private family visitation will be held for her immediate family. Cremation will be accorded. Burial will be at Biggsville Cemetery, Biggsville, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with Joyce
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Helms
Tell your own story about Joyce
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Joyce Helms's name
How to support Joyce's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joyce Helms's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
