Helen L. (Debolt) Followell

Helen L. Followell, 81, of Effingham, IL, formerly of Stewardson, IL, passed away at 1:53 p.m. on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 in Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL with loved ones by her side. 

Helen was born on April 30, 1940, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Arlie and Lorene (Walls) Debolt.  She was a 1958 graduate of Stew-Stras High School.  Helen married Fred Durbin and from that union they were blessed with four boys:  Steve, Scott, Wayne and Paul.  She later married Henry Followell on November 14, 1972 and celebrated 31 years of marriage before his passing in 2004.  Helen retired from Fedders Corporation in Effingham after 30 years of service.  She was an avid bowler, loved to spend the week at the Effingham County Fair in her trailer and treasured time spent with her loved ones.    

Surviving are her sons:  Steve (Kathy) Durbin of Effingham, Scott (Penny) Durbin of Dalton City, Wayne (Carrie Jackson) Durbin of Stewardson and Jeff Followell of Lebanon, TN; stepson, Michael (Samantha) Followell of Newton; stepdaughters:  Barbara Followell of Lebanon, TN and Faye Heitkamp of Effingham; 25 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and brother, Dean Debolt of Iuka.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Henry Followell; son, Paul Durbin; stepson, Charles Followell; stepdaughter, Rebecca Followell and two great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Brummerstedt Funeral Home in Stewardson with Pastor David Ducommon officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Burial will take place in Stewardson Cemetery.  Memorials may be made in Helen’s name to the Effingham County Humane Society and mailed to Brummerstedt Funeral Home, 302 W. Main St., Shelbyville, IL 62565. Brummerstedt Funeral Home in Stewardson is assisting the family.

Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story in Helen’s honor at www.lghfuneralhomes.com.

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