Helen Jane Abrams, 82, of Mt. Vernon, passed away at 1:45 p.m., Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at GreenTree Assisted Living, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, with her children at her side.
She was born August 28, 1943, in Obion, Tennessee, the daughter of Don J and Pearline Merrell. On March 4, 1962, in Belleville, Illinois, she married John William “Abe” Abrams, and he preceded her in death on August 7, 2020.
Mrs. Abrams was a member at Panther Fork Baptist Church, and worked as a Teacher’s Aide at Field School for many years. She was a graduate of East St. Louis Senior High School and graduated from Rend Lake College, where she earned her Associates Degree. She enjoyed attending the Happy Hour Girls monthly lunch, and loved sewing, cross-stitching, and gardening. She spent many hours mowing the farm on her Grasshopper, and enjoyed shopping at Hobby Lobby. She also loved her dog, “Sweet Pea,” and loved being approached by former students of Field School.
She is survived by one son, Keith and Kim Abrams of Springfield, Tennessee; one daughter, Natalie and John Backstrom Jr. of Mt. Vernon; grandchildren, Cameron and Heather Richardson, Rachel and Dustin Driver, Emily Lake, Jacquelyn and Katelyn Backstrom, Ericka and Blake Henry, Kyle and Ayla Abrams, John and LizMarie Backstrom III, Trittney and Jeremy Stinson, David Lynch, Zoe Lynch, and Zane Lynch; great-grandchildren, Santiago Richardson, Emilia Rose Richardson, Vincent Richardson, Lennon Nelson, Alexei Henry, Sawyer Backstrom, John Backstrom IV, Mahina Backstrom, Mireya Driver, Daphne Driver, Esmé Abrams, Ivan Abrams, Journey Stinson, Stella Stinson, Cecelia Hanna, Delilah Skaare, Reyna Lynch; and sister, Mavalene “Mavis” Rednour; and she was also loved by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, John W. Abrams, she was preceded in death by her parents; brother, James Merrell; sister, Mary Kramer; and brothers-in-law, Mark Rednour and Lee Kramer.
Funeral services for Mrs. Abrams will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Panther Fork Baptist Church, with Rev. John Ashby officiating. Burial will follow at Panther Fork Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until the hour of service, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Panther Fork Cemetery Fund, and will be accepted at the service, or by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.