Helen McVey

Helen Joanne McVey, 89, of Roxana, Illinois, passed away peacefully Saturday 

morning, August 15, 2020, in her home with family and her loving husband 

Donald by her side. 

Helen was born April 8, 1931, in Litchfield, IL, to the late Kenneth and Gladys 

Nail. She attended Roxana High School and Shurtleff College in Alton, IL. Helen 

married her high school sweetheart Donald McVey on November 25, 1951, who 

called her 'the prettiest girl in school.' 

Helen was employed as a secretary at the Brown Shoe Company in St. Louis, 

Missouri, and secretary to the treasurer of the Olin Corporation in East Alton, IL. 

Helen was an adoring wife and dedicated mother. She treasured her husband 

and her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially 

cherished her role as Grandma. She had a vivacious personality and wonderful 

sense of humor. She loved singing and was a member of the Sweet Adelines 

ladies barber shop quartet of Alton, IL. She also enjoyed quilting, playing the 

piano, watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and was an active member of Faith 

Baptist Church in Godfrey, Illinois. 

Helen is survived by her husband Donald, her four children (and their spouses), 

Kent & Laura McVey of Topsail Beach, NC, Lisa & Dale Johnson of Littleton, CO, 

Mark & Darla McVey of Hanover Park, IL, and Dana McVey of Cornelius, NC, her 

16 grandchildren: Brenda Martin, Chessie Martinez, Joanna Malm, Matthew 

Johnson, Timothy Johnson, Laura Johnson, Mark Johnson, Nathan Johnson, 

Bethany Johnson, Christina Johnson, Kyle McVey, Jason McVey, Emily Taylor, 

Kate Plummer, Marissa McVey-Plummer, and her 13 great-grandchildren: 

Timothy, Madyline, Breydon, Michael, Parker, Albert, Ginger, Charles, Eric, Zoe, 

Hayley, Daniel, and David'all of whom she loved and touched deeply. Helen 

was preceded in death by her parents. 

A memorial service was held for family on Monday, August 17, 2020, at Bethany 

Cemetery in Godfrey, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to 

Mississippi Valley Christian School.