Josephine “Jo” Theis Helms

Josephine “Jo” Theis Helms, age 83, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Jo was born to John and Annie Theis on December 20, 1942, in Mission, Texas. She enjoyed reading, baking cookies and candies and spending time with her family. Jo was a member of Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church in Hope, Arkansas. She was also the first female to get a boiler operator license in the State of Arkansas.

Preceding Josephine in death is her husband of 63 years, Donald Wayne Helms; 2 great grandsons, Donald Blain and Robert Lee Reed Jr.; her parents, John Joseph Theis and Annie Lee Johnston Theis; 3 brothers, James Michael Theis, John Joseph Jr. (Joe Boy), and James Thomas Theis; 6 sisters, Evelyn Theis, Helen Jordan, Dorothy Fregia, Margaret Glover, Theresa Lorraine Rather and Francis Powell.

Josephine is survived by her son, Gary (Glenda) Helms of Texarkana, AR; daughter, Donna (Jon) Lambdin of Columbia, SC; grandson, Philip (April) Helms of Bradley, AR; granddaughters, Heather (Curtis) Turner of Benton, LA, Sharon (Greg) Allen of Ashdown, AR, Hillary Whittington of Gilbert, SC, Gina (Ray) Perez of Texarkana, TX, and Lori (Bobby) Reed of Columbia, SC; step grandson, Jared Gazzolo of Genoa, AR; 16 great grandchildren, Dillon Whittington, Gabriella Gonzalez, Cameron Turner, Vada Whittington, Donna Catherine Turner, Kayla Perez, Rebecca Perez, James Wesley Turner, Tucker Helms, Matthew Helms, Sydney Reed, Nathaniel Whittington, Ethon Whittington, Ginger Allen, Georgia Allen and Emma Reed; 1 great great grandchild, Nova Gwen; 1 sister, Paticia Powell; 2 brothers in law, Burnice Powell and Marvin Helms.

Special thanks to Enhabit Hospice, especially Jennifer Joy and Shantrice Hickman, for their extraordinary compassion, steady guidance, and the gentle care they provided. Their presence made this difficult time more peaceful, and our family is deeply grateful for the comfort and dignity they helped ensure.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Father Raj of Our Lady of Good Hope for his spiritual support, prayers, and the comfort he brought to our family. His kindness and presence were a true blessing.

Cremation Services are under the direction of A O Smith Funeral Home, Stamps, Arkansas.