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Teresa Helmick Obituary

Teresa Anne Helmick

Teresa Anne Helmick, "Terry," born July 16th, 1954, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to Mildred and Joe Dickson, passed away on September 1st, 2014 at the age of sixty.

Terry is survived by her beloved children Lindsey Helmick of Denver, CO and Harrison Helmick of Manhattan, KS and fourteen nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Joe Dickson, and sister Nancy Coursey.

Terry was a devoted and loving mother, sister, aunt and friend. Her life was full of accomplishments. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in 1992. She spent most of her teaching career at Johnson County Community College, and was revered by her students and the members of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. Terry was an active member of the Lawrence community of spent countless hours volunteering.

Terry was known for her warmth, patience, loyalty, and compassion. Her children were her proudest accomplishment. The doors to her home were always open, and she served as a second mother to many of her children's friends. She loved travel and encouraged her children to do the same. Together they traveled through South America, Europe and Asia. She also had a passion for cooking and annually impressed her closest friends with her fried chicken alongside other foods from her Mississippi roots. If you were lucky, and listened very carefully, sometimes you could hear hints of her old southern charm.



Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 6th at 11:00am at the First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St Lawrence, KS. A reception to honor her life will follow. At Terry's request, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Family Promise. Donations may also be made to a legacy scholarship established in her name at Johnson County Community College.

Family Promise: P.O. Box 266 Lawrence, KS 66044 or lawrencefamilypromise.org/donate-now/

JCCC Foundation: 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66210. (Checks may be made out to JCCC Foundation). http://www.jccc.edu/foundation/

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Sep. 5, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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Ed Hetherington

October 17, 2024

I knew Terry in the 1960s to 1970 in Long Beach, Miss as I lived next door to her. I miss her and her sister as we used to play together as children and went to school together. She was a wonderful lady.

Kelly Russell

August 30, 2023

I often think of her. Terry was my best teacher in college in Missouri - and she was only a graduate assistant then! Then I ran into her hear in Lawrence years later, when Harrison played on some sports team with one of my boys. I saw her at the grocery store just a few days before she passed, and I regret that I did not speak to her that day. I hope you kids are happy and at peace with all the wonderful memories of your mom.

Alicia Aguilera

September 17, 2014

I can't believe she has passed. She was an amazing professor and person. God bless her family (she spoke of them often.)And may she rest in peace.

Guy Maggio

September 12, 2014

Terry was my high school drama teacher during my freshman and sophomore years at LSHS. She left to go to CMSU (now UCM) in Warrensburg. I selfishly wished she had remained at LSHS because she was a fantastically funny and warm influence in my life. But I know she was excited for the new opportunities, and I'm now grateful that many others' lives were blessed for having known her. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I share in your grief.

Floyd Pentlin

September 6, 2014

I was so shocked to see Terry's announcement. I worked with Terry at Lee's Summit High School. Her musical productions set a very high standard for professionalism and excitement. I'll never forget someone saying as we left "Fiddler on the Roof" that it was the same as a broadway production. I'm sure that kind of skill and concern carried through the rest of her teaching career.

I'm sure she will be missed by her family and friends. My condolences to all.

Yanina Real

September 6, 2014

I´m sorry for your loss. You were an amazing host mother. I will always remember you with love.

Kelly Russell

September 6, 2014

I am so shocked and saddened! Terry was my public speaking teacher at CMSU in the mid-eighties when I was a freshman and she was a teaching assistant. She was a very good teacher. Better than many of the tenured professors I had. Then, many years later, I ran into her here in Lawrence where we both lived. We spoke when we bumped into each other from time to time. I just saw her a few days ago at Hyvee and thought about saying hello, but let the moment slip by. I will always regret that. I am so sorry for your loss! My prayers are with you all.

September 6, 2014

Lindsey and Harrison, my heart is broken for you and for all of us who loved your mother. Her beautiful smile and empathetic demeanor will be missed by all who knew her. Even though our paths crossed less in recent years, I considered her a lifelong friend. I have many wonderful memories of times we spent together that I will treasure always.

Linda Wade

Ron & Becky Ragan

September 6, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Harrison and Lindsey.

September 5, 2014

I was so sad to hear that Terry passed. She is missed by so many at JCCC.
Tina Wolff

Lee and Tandy Reussner

September 5, 2014

We have fond memories of Terry when our kids were in grade school and junior high. Our thoughts and prayers are with Harrison and his sister, Lindsey. May God give you both strength and peace when you need it most. - The Reussner Family

Michele Haverkamp

September 5, 2014

I was saddened to hear about Terry's passing. She was an awesome lady and will be missed by all who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends now and in the days to come.

Betty Furtwengler

September 5, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of Terry's passing. Although I didn't know her well, I knew of her and how great a teacher she was. JCCC will miss her warm smile and great talents. Prayers are with family and dear friends.

Mary Jean Billingsley

September 5, 2014

Terry was a wonderful colleague at JCCC. She was clearly interested in helping students be successful. Her demeanor was consistently friendly and calm. There was a beautiful serenity about her. I served with her on some committees and was always glad to work with her. Her legacy goes on in the many students she touched through her teaching. My prayers go out to her family.

Jimmy May

September 5, 2014

New Life

A new life graces the earth.
Soft breaths on angel's wings.

Precious is the short time.
Tender are the timeless moments.

One can only love so deeply,
Care so completely.

God shined down today,
And made the world better.

Grow my dear little one.
Make your life amazing.

A Poem for my grandson written by Terry Helmick. She had a special gift. Terry, I will miss you, your friendship and so much more. The movie "Beyond Time" will forever hold a special place in my heart. God be with us all.

Lora Cohn

September 5, 2014

Terry made me a better teacher-- her feedback on my teaching, her encouragement, her modeling of good teacher behaviors and good faculty behaviors. JCCC has lost more than a teacher with Terry's death.

September 5, 2014

I will miss Terry so much. She is a wonderful, caring soul.

Mary Smith

September 5, 2014

Lindsay and Harrison your mom blessed so many people with her dedication to everything she did here at JCCC....she made a positive impact on the lives of students, faculty, staff and always advocated for others. I had the joy of working with your mom at many retreats for Formation and will miss her so much. You are right that you are both her proudest accomplishment and she will live on in you in so many ways.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family. Peace, Mary Smith

Louise Wolfgeher

September 5, 2014

I feel ever so thankful for having the opportunity to meet such a kind and generous soul. Prayers go up and prayers go out for you my friend. You will indeed be missed.

Marilyn Gairns

September 5, 2014

I was privileged to become friends with Terry while attending a retreat she helped facilitate for the faculty and staff of JCCC. She was a very connected, kind and caring individual and made you feel comfortable in her presence. I know that her students also loved her. Terry had a gift of connecting with anyone that she met. We have lost a wonderful and gifted friend, teacher, co-worker and employee. I am deeply sorry and offer prayers and condolence to her family and children.

Jules Richardson

September 5, 2014

Terry was a vibrant beautiful women. I had the privilege to be her hairdresser.She always had great stories of time spent with Lindsey and Harrison. Always a grateful heart of the joy her kids brought to her life. Her love will always be present, never forgotten.

Jane Campbell

September 5, 2014

I met and worked with Terry at the Family Promise evenings. She was an absolute favorite with the children. She knew them all. I would meet them for just the time I was working there as a hostess. She went over and above all the expectations of their needs. She made special trips so our guests would have something they needed. One night, after the evening meal, we all played Simon Says. She was a sweet, funny, fun and loving soul. Truly I am sorry for her passing.

September 5, 2014

I am so sad to learn that Terry is no longer with us. She was a wonderfully, kind person. Johnson County Community College will especially miss her as she made a great contribution and difference. My condolences to her family and friends. Ginny Nelson (retired JCCC English teacher)

John Hernandez

September 5, 2014

Thanks so much Terry for all you have done for not only our college, but especially to our PTK team and the officer team. You will definately be celebrated this weekend at your Funeral

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

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