Helen Elizabeth Perryman completed her journey here on earth at 12:30 P.M., Saturday, December 5, 2020 at the age of 99 at the home of her daughter, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Royalton, IL on July 20, 1921 to Cornelius and Elona (Bretch) Underwood.

She married Lester Perryman on December 3, 1938 at Jackson, MO. He preceded her in death on May 25, 2001 after 63 wonderful years of marriage consisting of hard work and a lot of love. They were blessed with three children, Donald, Mickey and Patricia.

She was a wonderful housewife, mother and grandmother to many. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Elkville for over 65 years and a member of the Eastern Star for over 70 years. She and Lester enjoyed camping and traveling after retirement as well as dancing and working in her yard. She loved cleaning her house, where they raised their children and always had large Thanksgiving and Christmas parties with friends and family. She couldn't have her "Family" around her enough. She loved her Lord Jesus Christ and prayed to see Him and her previously deceased loved ones.

She leaves behind her three children - Don (Alice) Perryman of Elkville, Mick (Marcia) Perryman of Murphysboro and Pat (Richard) Shimkus of West Frankfort, ten grandchildren - Brad Wiggins of West Frankfort, Deborah (Ken) Ciolino of Fort Myers, FL, Denise Mezo of De Soto, Dalice (Hiram) Torres of Elkville, Deon (Mary) Perryman of Springfield, Kristal (Gordon) Williams of Sparta, Jodi (Mike) Boese of Carterville, Dr. Richard (Lanette) Perryman of Coronado, CA, Jason Shimkus of Marion, and James (Tiffany) Shimkus of Freeman Spur, 27 great grandchildren, 23 great great grandchildren, brother - Herbert (Beverly) Underwood of Royalton, sisters-in-law - Mary Underwood of Elkville and Lois Underwood of Marion and special caregiver - Donna Stice, plus many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson - Shawn Wiggins, three sisters - Nina Martin, Frieda Meier, and Wilma Havens, and two brothers - Cornelius "Junior" Underwood and Bill Underwood.

She will be greatly missed.

Graveside services will be at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at the Elkville Cemetery with Bro. Richard Castleman officiating.

Friends may call from 1:00 P.M. until time of service on Wednesday at the cemetery.

Please use social distancing guidelines. Everyone in attendance is required to wear a mask.

Burial will be in the Elkville Cemetery at Elkville, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Christian Church in Elkville or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.