Obituary of Helen Mae Davis

Helen May Ballin was born May 9, 1931 in Toledo. She was one of two children born from the union of the late Christopher T. and Keea (Nolis) Ballinny. Helen was a 1949 graduate of Clay High School and continued her studies at the University of Toledo obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. There she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega and Alpha Delta Kappa. Helen then earned her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Michigan University. Helen is well known for her commitment to early childhood education in the Monroe Community. She helped develop and teach the youngest of students through many programs including: the Co-Op preschool at the YMCA, Head Start, Kiddie Korner, Discovery Program and Kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary, retiring in 1998. After retirement, Helen continued her work with early childhood development by becoming an advocate of the “Be Their Hero From Age Zero” program through the Monroe ISD. She was also a member of the City of Monroe League of Women Voters, Jefferson and Monroe County Community College Faculty Wives Association, a former Campfire Leader, and a member of Toastmasters. Her gentle way in the world and kindness she shared with everyone will be missed. Helen accepted all and her quiet strength impacted everyone she met. She was a loving mother to her children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren who will miss her dearly. Helen’s positive influence on their lives will carry her spirit on. Helen, 85, of Monroe passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by a sister–in-law: Dee Ballin. Helen was married to Stanley Davis and from that union came three children. To cherish her memory she leaves her children: Miles Davis (Denise Glickman) of Rhode Island, Frank (Melissa) Davis of Monroe and Christine (Bradley) Przystas of East Lansing; one brother: William Ballin of Virginia; six grandchildren: Jacob Davis of Monroe, Serenity (Lee) Holt of Monroe; Kia Davis of Rhode Island; Andrea Davis of Rhode Island, Zoe Przystas of East Lansing, and Jordan Przystas of East Lansing; three great grandchildren: Stormy Davis, Aiden Davis, and Journey Holt all of Monroe; family friend: Ghazi Zouaoui of Monroe; and numerous relatives in Australia. Friends may gather on Friday, September 23, 2016 from 12:30pm until a Celebration of Her Life at 4:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. Memorials are suggested to the River Raisin Center for the Arts, Meals on Wheels and DonorsChoose.org Search: Post Oak Magnet School. Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting “Add A Memory”.