Helen Huling

Helen Huling, 87, of Warner Robins, Georgia, formerly of Detroit Michigan, died peacefully on March 5, 2015 with her family by her side.

Helen was born in Columbus, Georgia to the late Jack and Annie Mae Johnson on July 2, 1927. Helen married the late Willie James Huling, Sr. on January 26, 1946, in Phenix City, Alabama; two children were born of this union.

The family relocated to Detroit, Michigan in 1953. Both Helen and Willie were twins and enjoyed unique relationships with their respective twins. After her children were grown and married, she decided to join the work force. Helen worked for Harper Hospital for 17 years until her retirement in 1989. While employed at Harper she was active in the union. Helen worked diligently with the union to secure better benefits and wages for fellow employees.

Helen and her best friend, Mrs. Jesse Carlisle, rode the bus all over Detroit enjoying their favorite past time, shopping and eating at new restaurants. The older grandchildren all enjoyed the privilege of taking their grandmother shopping, looking for her bargains.

Helen was known for being a back-seat driver...she knew the directions to all her stores and insisted that everyone take her routes. The family laughs about these escapades every time they get together.

She was an excellent cook; the family remembers the days of standing by the stove waiting on the fried corn and chicken. On holidays, she was always the first one up and the aroma of her cooking would wake the others up.

Helen joined Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Church in May 1955 under Rev. T. C. Span. She loved her church and when Rev. T.A. Hill became pastor she continued to serve faithfully. She was active in the senior choir and president of the nurse's guild. She loved arranging and participating in the annual trips to the cider mill and hay rides. She always took one or more of the grandchildren on the church events.
Her special ministry was visiting the sick and shut-end, especially members in nursing homes. She shared this ministry with her god-son Lawrence Newton. Helen was active in her church and community, providing assistance to family, friends and neighbors until failing health caused her to move to Warner Robins, GA, to live with her granddaughter, LaWanda Graves-Byron. Helen was a resident of Warner Robins Rehab for the last 5 years where she was lovingly called grandma. She always tried to be of help to everyone she could. She loved playing bingo and making different arts and crafts. Her happiest moments were being with her family and friends laughing at their antics.

Helen took great pride in her children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. She was always available to help and give guidance. Her love of travel and personal pride in everything has been passed down from generation to generation. Helen's friends and family will keep a special place in their hearts for all of the wonderful memories she leaves with them.

Helen will be lovingly remembered by her devoted children, Willie James Huling, Jr. (Cheryl) of Mt. Clemens, Michigan and Jewel L. Junior of Los Angeles, California; grandchildren, LaTonya Hinton (Jesse), LaWanda Graves-Byron (Stanley), Katherine Grisson (Victor), Nathaniel Huling, Kevin Junior (Angie), and Brandon Huling (Crystal); great-grandchildren, Brionna Hinton, Jasmyn Hinton, Jordin Hinton, Christian Graves, Cameron Graves, Ciera Byron, Victor Grisson II, Tiana Huling, Leah Huling, Marissa Grider, and Brandon Huling II; great-great granddaughter, Maleeya Hinton; godson, Lawrence Newton; and a host of adoring nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by her 4 brothers, Russell, Jack, James, Harry Robert {her twin} and sister Lillie Mae Upshaw.

Visitation will be Friday, March 13, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2015 in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home with a graveside service following at 1:00 p.m. in Green Acres Cemetery, Columbus, Georgia. Following the burial, a repast will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 2311 Dawson Street, Columbus, GA 31903.

The family would like to thank the staff at Warner Robins Rehab, Houston Medical Center and Optum Hospice suites for the outstanding care they provided our mother. God always sent people into our mother's life to enrich her life with love and laughter. We thank you for each day you made her smile or laugh; our mother loved every minute she shared with you.


Funeral Home:
McCullough Funeral Home
417 S. Houston Lake Rd.
Warner Robins, GA
US 31088