MURPHYSBORO – Helen Rachel Williams, 86, of Murphysboro, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2016 at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Helen was born in Baldwin, Illinois on November 3, 1929, the daughter of Anton John and Inez Reba Hill Falkenheim. She married Gale R. Williams on December 9, 1947 at Ava, Illinois. He preceded her in death on November 3, 2007. Helen was a member of the First Baptist Church in Murphysboro and the Jackson County Historical Society.

Helen is survived by her sister, Cleo "Peggy" McLaughlin of Murphysboro; sister-in-law, Jewel Falkenheim of Columbia, IL; nieces and nephews, Tom McLaughlin, Ron McLaughlin, Greg McLaughlin, Beverly Connor, Sondra Mahnken, Kevin Williams, Cheryl Hagler, Brenda Faughn, Jeanee Williams, Andy Jo Tuck, Fonda Rodriguez, Debbie Wright, and Kim Fehringer; and many great nieces and great nephews.

Helen was also preceded in death by her Parents and three brothers.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, February 26, 2016 at the Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava with Rev. Shaker Samuel officiating. Entombment will follow at Murdale Gardens of Memory. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call from 5:30 pm until 8 pm Thursday and on Friday from 7:30 am until the hour of service. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church in Murphysboro. To sign the guestbook visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net.