Helen Lorraine Jamison, 93, of Taylorville, Illinois passed away on Friday, February 12, 2021 at Life’s Journey Senior Living in Taylorville, Illinois. She was born on January 10, 1928 in Edinburg, Illinois the second child of Frank and Clella (Huffman) Kauerauf.  Along with her two sisters and brother, she enjoyed growing up in Edinburg with close ties to her siblings.  Her father was a printer, and she remembered helping him in the small print shop at their home that brought in extra money.  She claimed to be especially adept at quickly moving sheets of paper in and out of the moving press.  Through her mother she developed a lifelong interest in learning, music and reading, but often remarked she especially enjoyed playing baseball with her brother.
In about 1942 George Rhoads Jamison moved from Taylorville to Edinburg with his father, and thereafter Helen met the love of her life. They were married in 1946, and to the time of his death on May 17, 2020, a marriage that spanned nearly 74 years. The marriage produced two sons, George Frank and David Mark Jamison, born in 1946 and 1954, respectively.  During their years in Edinburg they lived next to Helen’s parents, resulting in close relationships with the extended Kauerauf family.  George and Helen took Clella into their home after Frank died until the end of her life. In 1969, George, Helen and family relocated to Taylorville. 
Helen always remarked that the happiest years of her life were raising her two boys.  She entered the work force as her sons grew older, working several years for USDA in Springfield.  She also began to pursue her teaching degree, and became an elementary teacher in Taylorville.  She taught for many years in Kindergarten and First Grade.  She loved teaching and used her ample creativity and enthusiasm to both entertain and teach her young students.
Helen enjoyed singing and participated in many small groups, choirs, and as a soloist.  She was not hesitant to serenade her family at any given moment in almost any setting.  Her passion for reading grew with the years, and she was never hesitant to pick up a challenging book.  She was an avid gardener and enjoyed cooking, and George was a faithful dish washer and consumer.  She also had a weakness for chocolate, and loved her dogs over many years.

Helen and George traveled widely throughout the US and England.  Grandchildren became a loving, caring focus for them and many memorable visits and vacations together built lasting memories.  Helen’s vivid imagination and love for kids left many indelible memories for her grandchildren.  She shared her keen wit and intellect, and her interests and passions, including playing pinocle.  She was extremely competitive, and reportedly was never defeated at Chinese checkers.  Her love for kids and family spread to great grandchildren as the years progressed.  As health issues closed in during the later years of her life, the presence or mention of grandchildren always sparked her interest, and a moment of respite.
Faith was foundational to Helen’s life.  She was active throughout her life in the Edinburg Methodist Church, and the First Presbyterian Church in Taylorville.  She participated in women’s groups and classes, taught Sunday School, sang in choirs and groups, lead youth groups, and supported many other activities.  She left in her home many books and notes as evidence of her continued pursuit of her faith.
Helen was proceeded in death by her husband, George; parents, Frank Grover (1895-1977) and Clella Stokes (Huffman) Kauerauf (1897-1979); two sisters, Betty Ann (1924-1985) and Marian Sue Sanders (1934- 2014). 
Helen is survived by her brother, Donald Eugene (Ruth) Kauerauf of Chatham, Illinois; sons George (Mary Lou Goodpaster) of Libby, Montana, and David (Joyce) of Taylorville. Grandchildren (George)- Daniel Wesley (Susan) and Cameron and Caden of Woodbury, Minnesota; Matthew Cameron (Cristina) and Catherine and Claire of Orlando, Florida; and Ann Elyse Jamison (Phil O’Neill) and Desmond of Madison, Wisconsin. Grandchildren (Dave)- Nicholas David (Jane) and Lillian and Claire of Westerville, Ohio, and Megan Claire of Taylorville. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who have graciously been providing support for both Helen and George as their health declined. 
Funeral arrangements are being handled by McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville. Given the pandemic restrictions, a private family service will be conducted with Rev. Bill Kerns officiating.  Friends are invited to join the family for a public graveside service at approximately 11am on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.  Social distancing and the use of masks will be followed. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Helen’s memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Taylorville. Memories of Helen, or condolences to her family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.