Helen Sherwood

Helen Sherwood, 96, of Niles, formerly of Berrien Springs, died Saturday, August 15, 2020, at Forest Glen Assisted Living in Dowagiac.

Helen was born May 24, 1924, the daughter of John and Pearl (Stover) Beissel. She attended Berrien Springs Public Schools and graduated from Berrien Springs High School in the Class of 1942. On July 20, 1946 she married James A. Harner and they made their home in Berrien Springs. She was employed at Barnhart’s Flower Basket in Berrien Springs and later worked at the Flower Cart in Niles. She was divorced from James Harner in October 1968 and married to Varnold Sherwood in October 1970 when she moved to her current residence on Pucker Street in Niles. Mr. Sherwood preceded her in death.

Helen was a member of the Cass County Draft Horse Club and the Fruitbelt Pony Pullers. Helen had been a member of the United Methodist Church in Berrien Springs and later attended church at Morris Chapel in Niles.

Mrs. Sherwood enjoyed knitting and crocheting and made many afghans and lap robes for family, friends and hospital patients. She also worked to organize reunions for her high school classmates. Helen enjoyed traveling and, with her companion of eight years, Zellard True, made trips to visit family in North Carolina and Texas.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Tamara (Craig) Metz of Wake Forest, North Carolina and her son, James W. Harner (Elaine) of Coloma. Her four grandchildren are Jamie Brookhouse, David Harner, Kristin Grenier and Kathryn Eimer. There are also four great-grandchildren – Aaron and Morgan Brookhouse and Jackson and William Grenier. A niece, Karen Baker, and nephew, Richard Odiorne, also survive Helen.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 19, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Berrien Springs. Messages and memories may be shared online at www.allredfuneralhome.com.