Helen M. Luce, 90, Longtime Volunteer and Active Church Member

The following obituary was submitted by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory in Roswell:

Helen M. Luce, 90, of Johns Creek passed away Nov. 6, 2014.

Helen was born May 14, 1924 in Fargo, North Dakota. Helen is preceeded in death by her parents, Fern B. Monson and Irene Eide Monson, loving step mother, Mildred Archer Monson, sister, Marjorie M. Gorski, and brother, Charles B. Monson She was raised in the Northeast and Lake Alfred, FL, was educated at Florida Southern College and a graduate of Berea College in Kentucky.

Helen was married for 59 years to the late Rev. Francis L Luce, and they raised three children in Lakeland, Florida, where he served as Chaplain at FSC. As a homemaker, she balanced years of involvement with college students, faculty activities, church choir and teaching Sunday School, leadership in Campfire Girls Organization and other family responsibilities.

During this time, she was also employed by a medical publication. Upon retirement, the couple lived half the year in Florida and half the year at Milfern, the family home in Crossnore, North Carolina.

In Florida, she volunteered in literacy programs, Habitat for Humanity, a free medical clinic and church missions. In Crossnore, they helped with the creation of a county museum, served Meals on Wheels and hosted many visits from family and friends. They were also active members in the Crossnore Presbyterian Church and choir.

After the death of her husband, Helen spent her final years with her daughter, Nancy, in Johns Creek where she was active in First Baptist Church of Roswell.

She is survived by her three children, Nancy Cabaniss, of Johns Creek, John (Karen Becker) Luce, of Melbourne, FL, and Martha Gravenor, of Delmar, Deleware; two granddaughters, Tannis (Chad) Bawcum and Chance (B. J.) Bracewell; five great-grandchildren, Carter Bawcum, Landon Bawcum, Benjamin Bawcum, Lola Bracewell, Hendrix Bracewell; brother-in-law, Mendal Luce; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service was held Monday, November 10, 2014 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Roswell with Dr. Ron Bradley officiating.

The family received friends at the church immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Habitat for Humanity, or the mission ministries at First Baptist Roswell, College Heights UMC in Lakeland, FL, or Crossnore Presbyterian Church.

Photo credit: Patch file