She was born in McLeansboro, IL on October 18, 1925 to William McKinley and Josephine (Little) VanWinkle.  In life she worked as an office clerk and was a faithful member of the United Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Norris City, IL.

Helen is survived by one son Steven Allen of Sikeston, MO; one daughter Kay (Bill) Bradley of Norris City, IL; three grandchildren: Gary Allen, Eric Bradley and Stephannie Webb; seven great grandchildren: Janice and Kaytlyn Allen, Nathan and Braden Webb, Dylan (Aly) Bradley, Meghan and Brooklyn Bradley; six great-great grandchildren: Natilie, Nicholas, Abigail, Perpetua, Declan and Kyah Webb; and one niece Louise Cenatiempo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John B. Allen; granddaughter Melanie Bradley; sister Verna Cenatiempo; and brothers Eugene VanWinkle and Lofton Uel Vickers.

Graveside funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at Prospect Cemetery near McLeansboro with Pastor Scott Webb officiating.  Those attending the service are asked to meet at the cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to the Hamilton Memorial Rehabilitation and Health Care Center or to Prospect Cemetery and will be accepted at the Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro which is entrusted with arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com.