Phyllis Helbig

Phyllis Blanche Johnson Helbig, 91, is in the presence of God; Phyllis passed peacefully Thursday, April 9, 2020 at Goodwill Retirement Community in Grantsville, MD. She was born January 17, 1929, in Keyser, WV, daughter of the late William Amos and Emma Faye. (Rice) Johnson. Phyllis was also preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Dewitt Helbig Sr; six brothers, Amos, Donald, Carl, Gerald, Gene and Johnny; four sisters, Eleanor Stemple, Rita Trout, Onedia Davis, and Nancy Glotfelty and one great grandson, Jackson Clay Helbig.

Phyllis was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Oakland. Her grandfather John Johnson was once a Methodist Minister. Growing up she and her siblings worked at the family business, NuWay Laundry and Drycleaning. On January 10, 1949 she married her high school sweetheart, Gene Helbig, Sr. They were married for 57 years until his death in 2006. She raised her first family of three kids, Sheila, Gene, and Torte. A second family of two boys, Chris and Andy, followed 16 years later. She worked at Helbig’s Jewelry Store for over 30 years, while occasionally helping her sister at Stemple’s Cleaners. Phyllis was an accomplished bowler, once bowling a perfect 300, and an avid golfer. Throughout her life she was known to be a great cook for her buckwheat cakes, mac and cheese, special holiday caramels and every kids’ favorite birthday meal CHOP SUEY. She was an expert seamstress, having made her daughter-in-law's, Cathy, wedding dress. She also created costumes for Garrett Choral Society musical productions. Whenever you were in her home, she made you feel like family. Friends of her children continued to have a loving relationship with her throughout their adult lives. Following her retirement, she spent numerous hours knitting caps for newborn babies for Garrett Memorial Hospital. Grandsons Drew, Jacob and Luke smile when they remember her driving and parking abilities, particularly at Garrett 8 Cinemas. Nothing pleased her more than spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

She is survived by one brother, Wayne R. Johnson and wife Barbara of Oakland; five children, Sheila Jones and husband David, Eugene Helbig Jr. and wife Cathy, Courtland (Torte) Helbig and wife Tonya, Chris Helbig and wife Beth, Andy Helbig and wife Tonya; twelve grandchildren, Chuck Jones and wife Gretchen, Rene’ Cover and husband Brent, Gina Riaza and husband Kamran, Justin Helbig and wife Kelly, Katie Couch and husband Brian, Josh Helbig and wife January, Joel Helbig and wife Alicia, Dustin Armstrong and wife Randalyn, James Lauck and wife Brittany, Drew, Jacob and Luke Helbig; eighteen great grandchildren, Sam Jones, Ellen Jones, Leila Riaza, Phillip Riaza, Grace Helbig, Gavin Helbig, Miles Helbig, Aubrey Couch, Courtland Helbig, Harrison Helbig, Lillian Helbig, Ana Helbig, Jonah Helbig, Addie Helbig, Alli Armstrong, Haidyn Armstrong, Landen Armstrong and Sawyer Lauck.

A special thanks to her extended family for helping her and giving your time and love to a lady who thought the world of you, Tammy Lewis, Mary Croston, Bonnie Younkin, Heather Liller. Special thanks to her excellent caregivers at Goodwill Retirement Community.

Due to the current Covid 19 situation, a private graveside service will be held Tuesday April 14 in the Oakland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jack Helbig Memorial Foundation which can be located at JackHelbig.org or Jack Helbig Memorial Foundation on Facebook.

Phyllis, Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt and friend, we love you, and will miss you until we meet again!

The C & S Fredlock Funeral Home, P.A., Oakland is honored to be assisting the Helbig family at this time.