Doris Helm

Doris D. Helm, a loving, kind, and faith-filled Christian, passed away peacefully of natural causes on October 29, 2026, in St. Joseph, Michigan, at the age of 99.

She was born on January 12, 1927, in New Paris, Indiana, to the late Perl and Gladys (Keck) Covert. Doris was the 4th of 5 children and was always close to her siblings. Her parents instilled the values of faith in God, hard work, devotion, and family that would guide her throughout her long and meaningful life.

On April 25, 1954, she married Herbert W. Helm in Michigan City, Indiana. This bond remained strong for 52 years. Together they created a home centered on love and faith for their four children. Her family was the heart of her world. As a Mom, she delighted in playing with her children and birthdays were always a special time. After the children were all in school, she worked as a librarian for the James White Library at Andrews University for about twenty-five years. Her time in the circulation department brought fulfillment through helping others and forming good friendships with those she worked with.

Doris was a member of Pioneer Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church and cherished her roles as a Cradle Roll leader and later as a greeter. She was an active and generous presence in her community and enjoyed volunteering for Neighbor to Neighbor, Your Story Hour, and Adventist Frontier Missions. She found joy in simple pleasures and treasured the moments that brought people together. She enjoyed playing games with friends, sewing, taking vacations, playing the piano, and had a special taste for anything chocolate. A special family tradition of spending warm Friday evenings at the beach started when the children were young and has continued through this day, including great-grandchildren. Even as her health declined, her family would bring her to the pier at Lake Michigan, where she would delight in waving at the boats coming through the harbor.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three sisters and a brother. She is survived by her children, Herbert Jr. and Linda Helm of Berrien Springs, Michael and Beverly Helm of Canon City, Colorado, Nancy and Rodrick Church of Berrien Springs, and Steven and Jude Helm of Dowagiac. She also leaves behind ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, all of whom lovingly called her Grandma Dot, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and many others whose lives she touched over the years. Her legacy lives on through the values and countless memories she leaves behind. Those who knew Doris will remember her as a woman of deep faith, steadfast love, and a bright smile.

Memorial contributions may be made in Doris’ memory to Your Story Hour at 464 W. Ferry Street, Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103 or Neighbor to Neighbor at 9147 US Highway 31, Berrien Springs, MI 49103 or Peru Projects (a mission where a grandson works) at 1241 Eastridge Drive, Lincoln, Nebraska 68510 or online: peruprojects.com

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 6, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs with a time of visitation beginning at Noon. A committal service will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Oronoko Township.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home. www.AllredFuneralHome.com.

Doris D. Helm will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her. Her long life was marked by faith, service, and enduring love, and her memory will continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration to her family and friends.