Phyllis Helt

Phyllis Elaine Helt, 84, of Jackson passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024, with family at her side.

She was born Nov. 3, 1939, in Jackson County, Illinois, daughter of Henry C. and Dora Sims Born.

Phyllis worked 30 years at Choate Mental Health in Anna, Illinois, where she was the first female to work in security and also the first female to attain the rank of sergeant.

She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson.

Loving survivors include her husband, Carl Helt of Jackson; a son, Matthew A. (Paula) Wettig of Anna; two daughters, Cass Jump of LaCenter, Kentucky, and Rebecca (Nick) Lohman of Montgomery, Texas; a sister, Delores Adams of Cobden, Illinois; a brother, Henry (Margie) Born Jr. of DuQuoin, Illinois; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Kim Melvin.

Memorial arrangements will be announced soon. Pursuant to Phyllis's wishes, her body was donated for study to Logan University.

If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests Immaculate Conception Building Fund in Jackson or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements are by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above Phyllis's obituary article at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.