Rita Helm

Rita Joann Helm was born November 13, 1942 in Columbus, Ohio. Margaret Ann Davidson (deceased) mother and Edward Lawrence (deceased) father. Jo was the second eldest of seven children. Joann’s mother passed when she was eight years old growing up as an older child she became responsible as to helping out with the younger siblings and with the household.

Joann attended Saint Dominic Catholic School in Columbus, Ohio. Following her completion of her educating years Jo became a wife 1957 married Walker Johnson Jr. (deceased) during their union the blessings of three children Margaret Ann Robinson (Sherman), Ecoya Johnson (deceased) and Walker Johnson III (deceased). In 1961 sadly their union ended.

1962 her employment begin at Western Electric for many years, as her time abruptly ended . A new story was brewing.
1963 she met “Woody” Woodrow T. Helm (deceased) married in 1965. They never had children together, but together they raised Jo’s three children and Woody’s six children.
1970 business owners was their next adventure Woody & Jo’s House of Ribs opened. Where Jo remained employed until she retired in 2013.

Joann leaves to cherish her memories to her loving family whom she spent a great deal of time with her 7 siblings, helping raise her grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Family was her focus. She never wanted to see anyone she loved go without. Joann was a strong women, and thrived on honesty. Everyone she came in contact with enjoyed her relatable conversations the comfort of her heart made you return for more of her antidote.

Visitation 11:00am and Funeral 12:00pm Friday, April 5, 2019 at MARLAN GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave.

Interment at Green Lawn Cemetery.