Hellen L. Stevens

Hellen L. Stevens, 100, of 3001 West Lake Avenue passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, at her home. Hellen was born on Mothers' Day, Sunday, May 13, 1923, to Percy and Myrtle Fannie Booker in Peoria, Illinois. After attending Manual Training High School, she earned her GED, an associate degree in applied science from Illinois Central College in 1994 at 71, a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Early Childhood Education from Bradley University in 2004 at 81. She was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, acknowledged in the 1994 All-American Scholars Collegiate Directory, and on numerous Dean's and President's Lists. She was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World Inc. in 2004. Hellen was a childcare teacher for 30 years. She was employed at First United Methodist Church until it closed its childcare program. Within thirty days, she was hired by Northwest United Methodist Church where she worked with one- to three-year-olds. She was also the music director for the daycare. She retired from Northwest United Methodist Church at age 80. Hellen enjoyed playing and teaching piano. She began playing for her home church, Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church (now Bethel United Methodist Church), at age 14. She played the piano and pipe organ for various choirs and services. Hellen also played the pipe organ for Saturday Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Peoria. At her church, Hellen volunteered in the Enrichment Program and Girl Scouts. Her home became the official site for Girl Scout parties and sleep overs. She was active in missions, adult Sunday School Class, and membership care. She conducted devotions for the weekly lunches and served the drinks. She was one of the original Bethel Players, a theatrical group that performed for over 40 years at the church. In her community, she was a volunteer tutor at White and Whittier schools, and Common Place's Adult Literacy Program. She was an election judge for 50 years. She started the weekly Bible Study group at St. Sharbel Village Phase II. She was also a member of a weekly ZOOM Bible study with educators from around the country. Hellen married Edward Perkins January 18, 1938. To that union was born Myrtle Jeannette. The 17th of November 1945 Hellen married Levi F. S. Stevens in Peoria, Illinois. They had two sons - Warner Levi and Samuel. Barbara Hellen was their one daughter. Preceding her in death were her parents, two brothers - Warner and Tyrie, three sisters - Harrietta, Myrtle Bernice, and Nettie, one daughter - Myrtle Jeanette, and two sons - Warner and Samuel. She leaves one daughter - Barbara (John) Jackson, one daughter-in-law - Sharon McGlothan, two nieces - Leora Berry and Diana (Charles) Jowers, two nephews - Oliver (Dorine) Moody, and John Moody, seven grandchildren - Chris (Elisha) Reed, Julius Reed, Florence (Kenneth) Woods, Nygale Stevens, Lawrence (Carla) Jackson, Adrian (Amber) Stevens, and Shayla McGlothan Thompson, nine great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, and an extended family of sons, daughters, and friends. A Celebration of Life program will be Sunday, July 14, 2:00 P.M. at St. Sharbel Village Phase II Community Center. Previous Events Celebration of Life JUL 14. 2:00 PM (CT) St. Sharbel Village Phase II Community 3001 W. Lake Avenue Peoria, IL 61615

Hellen L. Stevens

May 13, 1923 - May 6, 2024