Obituary of Helen Dye

Helen Louise Dye was born in Oakland, Tennessee on October 25, 1940. She was the daughter of the late Jim Will Dye and the late Olivia (Dandridge) Ransaw, and was raised by the late Jather Ransaw Sr. Helen loved swimming and while attending Monroe High School was the first African American woman member of the Flamingos. She also was the first African American woman on the Cheerleading Team. Helen graduated in 1958. Helen was employed from 1963-1977 at La-Z-Boy and then spent 21 years at Detroit Edison as a Powerhouse Operator retiring in 1998. Helen was well known for her attention to detail. Whether it was never leaving the house without her hair and make-up done or painstakingly maintaining her home, yard, and garden she expected things to be immaculate. Helen loved to fish, bowl, and travel, and she cared for her black GMC Sierra Denali. Family and friends were always important in Helen's life. She loved to spend time with them and looked forward to holiday get-togethers. Helen was especially fond of the "Apple of Her Eye", her great granddaughter: Olivia. Another constant highlight of each day was arguing with Saline Jones, her friend since a young age. Helen was a longtime member of the Second Missionary Baptist Church where she was a Church Mother. Recently, even while suffering the effects of lung cancer she painted the church basement. Helen Louise Dye age 71 of Monroe passed away, May 8, 2012. In addition to her parents and stepfather her passing was preceded by her brother: Jather Ransaw Jr. on April 7, 2012; and great grandmother: Goldie Mae Baidy. To cherish her memory she leaves two children: Ghana Goodwin-Dye and Mark Floyd; sister-in-law: Jermain Ransaw; three grandchildren: Vanesa Page-Alfaro (Stephen Alfaro), Victoria Carthage, and Ryan (Kimberly) Carthage; great granddaughter: Olivia Alfaro; niece: Jawanda Ransaw; uncle: John Westley (Kay) Baidy; beloved sister-friend: Saline Jones; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Friends may gather from 11:00-7:00pm, Monday, May 14 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. A family hour will be held from 10:00am until a Celebration of Her Life at 11:00am, Tuesday, May 15 at Second Missionary Baptist Church, 501 Clark. Procession will follow to Roselawn for burial. Memorial donations are suggested to Monroe Cancer Connection. Online guests may leave condolences, share a photo, make a donation, or send floral arrangements by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.