Frances Helmly Thomas

September 13, 1941 – May 24, 2024

Frances Helmly Thomas, 82, of Springfield, GA, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024, after a very short illness. Frances passed at her home surrounded by her family. Ms. Frances was a lifelong resident of Effingham County until moving in with her daughter 2 years ago in Pauline, SC.

Ms. Frances had an in-home daycare for 15 years and kept and loved on many children of Effingham throughout those years. Ms. Frances also worked for Effingham Care Center (Nursing home) in the activities department for over 25 years where she loved going to work every single day. She retired in 2021.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Springfield, where she was a 3-year-old Sunday school teacher for many years and was a member of the Choir.

She loved sitting in her chair and watching the hummingbirds eat from her many feeders, which she made sure they were filled every single day. She was the biggest fan of the "Game Show Network".

She is preceded in death by her parents, Julian Helmly, and Lettie Helmly Zettler and stepfather Clarence Zettler. Her half sisters, Rose Mary Smith, Virginia Rushing, half-brother, James Allen Helmly, stepbrothers Jr and Ray Zettler and a very special friend Manning Graham.

She is survived by her son, Steve (Jeannie) Thomas and daughter, Cathy Bazemore. Grandchildren, Britini (Jonathan) Blackmore, Gage (Amber) Govero, Alex Thomas, Casey (Jonathan) Smart, Kaci Govero, and Rebecca (Jeremy) Thomas. Great Grandchildren Ariyah Covington, Tormund Blackmore, Ava Govero, Boone and Phoebe Smart. Two special foster brothers Donnie (Faye) Skipper and Bennie Williams, along with several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 2pm to 3pm, Saturday June 15, 2024 followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:30pm at First Baptist Church of Springfield.

A private interment will be held at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the choir at Frist Baptist Church of Springfield, 1435 GA Hwy 119N Springfield GA 31329

Thomas C Strickland and Sons Funeral Home Effingham Chapel. (912)754-6421