Helen Brackett

Helen Brackett, 92, of Robinson, IL, passed away on August 2, 2022. She was born September 24, 1929, in Robinson, the daughter of Frank Highsmith and May (Hayes) Highsmith, both of whom preceded her in death. She married James "Bud" Brackett on June 28, 1948, and they were happily married for nearly 70 years before he preceded her in death on December 5, 2017. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Susie Brackett, and by her brother, Charles Highsmith. She is survived by several beloved nieces, nephews, and many special friends.

Helen grew up in Robinson and was a 1947 graduate of RHS. She would further her education at Eastern Illinois University, where she graduated with a BA degree. She was one of the first 167 licensed medical assistants in the state, and in this capacity, she worked for 52 years, first for the Schmidt Clinic before joining Dr. Hippensteel's private practice. She was also a licensed realtor with a GRI certification and worked with Jim Hill Realtors for several years.

A former Camp Fire leader, Helen served on the Camp Fire Board of Directors and was involved with numerous other local organizations. This avid reader was a charter member of the Robinson Friends of the Library and was also a charter member of the Robinson Alumni Association. She served on the Robinson High School Academic Foundation Board as well. Her passion for education didn't stop there, as she was also a lifetime member of the Lincoln Trail College Foundation and a longtime sponsor of the LTC Theater. In addition to these, Helen was a member (and former board secretary) of the First Robinson Savings Bank Good Life Club and a charter member (and past president) of the 21 Investment Club.

Her commitment to local business led her to join the Robinson Chamber of Commerce as well as the Robinson Business and Professional Women's Club, where she was also a past president and was selected "Woman of the Year" in 1994. One of the great honors of her life was serving as co-chair of the Illinois BPW State Convention in 1999.

A woman of deep, abiding faith, Helen served her church on the Otterbein United Methodist Church Council Board as well as its Board of Trustees. She called Otterbein her home for nearly 80 years and considered its members and extension of her family.

Though she kept her nose to the grindstone at home, Helen knew how to enjoy herself. Few things brought more life to her living than taking in new sights and cultures through travel. Over her 92 years, she visited many countries alongside a group of tight-knit friends, though Helen was particularly drawn to coastal destinations such as Mexico and Costa Rica. That being said, her heart was always drawn back to Carolina Beach, where she and Bud had a condo and spent many days walking the shoreline.

Back home, she loved to entertain her many friends, who could each attest to the fact that Helen was uniquely one-of-a-kind. She possessed a genuine spirit that spoke the truth, but always in love. This fiery redhead left behind a hole that could never be replaced in her community nor in the hearts of those who loved her.

A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 6th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, with Pastor Judy Williams officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by visiting www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the "Otterbein United Methodist Church", with envelopes available at the funeral home.