Helen Helbig

A woman of insights, confidence and tradition who lived her life entirely on her own terms.

Mrs. Helen Lyons Helbig - Age 98, passed away January 15, 2026. She was born on May 30, 1927. She grew up in Detroit's straightened circumstances during the Great Depression, when her father died of infectious meningitis, leaving his widow to raise five children: Victor, Virginia, Helen, Edward, and Dorothy. School days were a joy for Helen in her youth and she achieved excellent marks and praise from her teachers. When one of her teachers heard that Helen would not be attending High School she went to her mother's home to plead that an exception be made for this child, Helen, to be able to seek higher education. Her mother, forced to make ends meet, encouraged Helen to seek immediate employment, rather than higher education. She found employment with the Bell Telephone Company and achieved a supervisory position.

She met her future husband, Gordon Lyons and after their marriage she attended night school and gained her High School diploma. She later attended Wayne State University and graduated first with a Bachelor of Arts in education, and later, a Master of Arts in special education. She employed her talents for many years in the Livonia School District. While living in Livonia she helped raise two sons Tom, now living in Launceston, Australia and Randy, deceased, of Howell, Michigan. Helen's marriage to the Rev. Arthur Helbig opened an important chapter of her service to the welfare of others. Together they served multiple congregations in Nebraska and Michigan. He preceded her in death in 2002.

Funeral services will be held 11AM Friday, January 23, 2026 at Hope Lutheran Church, 7355 Silver Lake Rd., Linden, with Pastor Paul Kollek officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10AM until the time of service. Burial will follow in Glen Eden Memorial Park, Livonia.

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com