Tabatha Helm

WHITE HEATH - Tabatha Helm, 56, of White Heath passed away peacefully on Thursday (Sept. 25, 2025) surrounded by her loving family.

Born on Aug. 17, 1969, in Manchester, N.H., Tabatha lived a life full of purpose, compassion and devotion to others. She graduated from Goffstown High School, earned her bachelor of science in mathematics from the University of New Hampshire and went on to complete her master of science in statistics at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. On Aug. 27, 1994, she married Greg Helm, beginning a 31-year marriage rooted in love, resilience and a shared commitment to family.

Professionally, Tabatha built a successful career in leadership roles within manufacturing and logistics operations, yet her true passion was teaching. For more than 20 years, she served as an adjunct faculty member at Parkland College, most recently in the Mathematics Department. Teaching wasn't just her job, it was her calling. She poured herself into her students' success, encouraging them, believing in them, and inspiring them to keep reaching for their goals.

Her heart for service extended far beyond the classroom. She gave her time and energy generously to the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Champaign County, the Champaign Urbana Cradle to Career Steering Committee, and the Executive Club of Champaign County. One of her most cherished opportunities was volunteering for the iRead/iCount program at the Champaign County schools where she worked with kindergarten students, helping them to learn reading and math, which was the perfect blend of two things she was so passionate about, teaching and volunteering.

In recent years, Tabatha found a spiritual home at Vineyard Church in Urbana, where she grew in faith and discovered a deep love of the Holy Spirit. Her faith strengthened her and enriched her life, and she carried that light with her into every relationship.

Tabatha's warmth was most deeply felt by her family and friends. She cherished her husband, Greg; daughter, Lindsey; son-in-law, MJ; and son, Aaron; and she treasured her role as Memere to her adored grandson, Kayden. She loved long phone calls with Lindsey during drives to and from home, quiet afternoons on the deck with music playing, and family time that filled her heart with joy. She was always willing to be there for others, whether to listen, encourage or simply to sit with someone who needed her. Those who knew Tabatha will remember her as kind, generous and endlessly caring.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents and her beloved sister-in-law, Kim Mathews.

Tabatha is survived by her husband, Greg; children, Lindsey (MJ) and Aaron; grandson, Kayden; parents, Norm Mathews (Rosemary) and Janet Peoples; brother, Chris Mathews; stepbrother, Ethan Foss (Alyssa); and many family members, friends, colleagues and students who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Champaign Chapel, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820. A celebration of Tabatha's life will follow at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Vineyard Church, Urbana.

In lieu of flowers, Tabatha has requested donations to The Hope Center (Vineyard Church Food Pantry), 1802 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL 61801.

Her legacy is one of love, encouragement and service; a life that touched countless others and will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Please join her family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.