Helen Mae Ewing

Helen Mae Ewing (Gephart) age 95, passed away at her home in Royal Oak on January 16, 2021. She was born on August 26, 1925 to Mary and David Gephart. She was raised on a farm in Lovely, Pennsylvania with her two brothers: the late Reverend John Gephart (Shirley) and the late Gerald Gephart (Millie). In her teen years, she moved in with and cared for her blind grandfather. She graduated valedictorian of her high school class of 1941, at the age of 16. In her twenties, she moved to Chicago where she studied piano and attended nursing school for two years. While in Chicago, she met Reverend Doctor Charles Wesley Ewing while working on the political campaign of Adlay Stevenson. They were married on September 9, 1951 in Lovely, Pennsylvania. They both worked on the Temperance League and attended Rhema Bible College and Loma Linda Bible College. Their life together was truly dedicated to serving the Lord. As a pastor’s wife, Helen helped develop churches in Joliet (IL), Omaha (NE), Dayton (OH), Royal Oak (MI), and Ferndale (MI), and assisted in their Bible correspondence ministry “The Faith and Freedom Bible Institute.” She especially had a heart for children and oversaw Vacation Bible Schools, Sunday Schools, and teen Youth Groups. While in Joliet they were blessed with a son, Dwight David, and a daughter, Anna Mae (Earl Harrington). Their third blessing, Sarah Lu, was born in Omaha. Helen was a wonderful, loving mother, making home-made clothes, encouraging and supporting her children, and raising them in the Christian faith. She was an excellent cook and entertained ministers and missionaries in her home from all over the world. She was self-sacrificing and always put her family first. She was a strong “Proverbs 31” Christian woman, and a role model to all her family. After moving to Michigan in 1968, Helen became the beloved “Bookmobile Lady”, for the Royal Oak Public Library. She became an active member of the Michigan Chapter of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). After retiring, she worked as Office Manager of the Congregational Church, in Birmingham, MI. Helen “Grammy” was blessed with seven grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Allison Harrington, Bernadette Ewing, Jessica Harrington, Holly Flynn (Michael Flynn), Michael Harrington, Elisha Ewing, and Hannah Ewing. Great-granddaughter, Avalon Flynn, held a special place in Grammy’s heart. She set an incredible example for them and everyone in her life including her beloved extended family; the late Marjorie Hanes, Laura Zeile, Anna Lisa Zeile (Gil, Liliana, and Abigail De Vera), Katherine Zeile, Kenneth Eubanks, Richard Ploeger; and many dear nieces and nephews. Dear sister of the late John Gephart (still living Shirley Gephart), and the late Gerald Gephart (still living Millie Gephart). She always maintained a positive outlook in every situation and exemplified Christ’s love in all she did. She smiled at every stranger and gave a helping hand to everyone. Even in the last week of her life, she needed assurance that everyone had enough food and warm shelter. On January 16, 2021 after a full and wonderful 95 years, Jesus called Helen home. She passed peacefully in her home in Royal Oak, MI surrounded by her loving family. Above all, she was a life-long follower of Jesus and a devout prayer warrior. In every situation, she turned to and placed her trust in Him, inspiring those around her to do the same. Her favorite Scripture was John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” “Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Memorials appreciated to CCAI Adoption Services https://www.ccaifamily.org/Charity/Donation Please, Share your Memories at www.sullivanfuneralhome.com. VISITATION: The family will receive friends Wednesday from 2-7 pm at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd. (4 blocks E. of Woodward), Royal Oak. Please note that masks are required and a maximum of 25 people may be in the visitation room at a time. Kindly be mindful of the attendance requirements and limit your visiting time so that others may also attend. FUNERAL: Funeral Thursday, in-state 12 noon until time of funeral service 1:00 pm in person at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2225 E. 14 Mile Rd., Birmingham and LIVESTREAMED at www.ourshepherd.news/YouTube or www.ourshepherd.news/Facebook. BURIAL: Burial at 3:00 pm at Oakview Cemetery, Royal Oak.

Helen Mae Ewing

August 26, 1925 - January 16, 2021