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Helen Smith-Staats

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[May 16, 2008]  Helen Cofer Smith, 81, of Sherman, died Thursday, May 15, 2008, at The Christian Village in Lincoln.

Visitation hours are 4-7 p.m. Friday at Mott & Henning Funeral Home, 206 N. Main St. in Athens. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mott & Henning in Athens.

Burial will be at Walnut Hill, Williamsville.

Mrs. Smith was a homemaker, businesswoman and executive secretary in central Illinois.

She was born in Springfield, the daughter of John Willis and Brazilla Edrington Cofer.

She is survived by her children, Carolyn (and Brad) Neal of Lincoln, Melva (and Tom) Breitenstein of Lake Geneva, Roger (and Chris) Theobald of Broadwell, Mark Theobald of Elkhart, Edwina Ellegood of Beason and Bea (and Dave) Leonard of Farmersville; eight grandsons; two granddaughters; three great-grandsons; and her sister, Susan Alphin of Williamsville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother and husbands.

Mrs. Smith was active throughout her life in the Christian churches and many civic organizations and taught piano lessons for over 50 years.

She was a Peace Corps volunteer to Liberia.

She enjoyed living on the farm with her livestock, homing pigeons and dogs. She was well-known for her custom pies, hand-stitched quilts and her passion for those in need.

Memorials may be made to the Sweetwater Christian Church, Buffalo Christian Church or the Animal Protective League in Springfield.

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