Helen’s life began on Oct. 13, 1917, in Dowagiac, the daughter of Oscar and Winnie (Bailey) Anderson.

Helen, 92, of South Haven, was raised on a farm in Pokagon Township.

She married Howard Jessup in South Bend, Ind., on Feb. 11, 1946.

After World War II they lived in Kalamazoo, where she worked for 2 Legs Pant Co. while Howard finished his teaching degree.

In 1948, the couple moved to South Haven. From 1962-1979 Helen worked for the South Haven Public Schools in food service at LC Mohr, Central and Lincoln Schools.

After retiring, Helen and Howard lived on her family homestead in Dowagiac and spent winters in Bradenton, Fla.

She was known as a great cook and canned fresh vegetables from Howard’s bountiful garden.

She could put together a fantastic meal for two and add this and that to make it feed 20.
Helen also liked reading, crafts, camping and travel.

With Howard and her children, and frequently grandchildren, she enjoyed going to 49 states and several foreign countries.

Her family meant the world to her. She and Howard had three children: Melvin (Janice) Jessup, Susan Jessup and Thomas (Marilyn) Jessup, all of South Haven; her grandchildren, Kristin (Kurtis) DeWitt, Corey Jessup, Joshua (Evon) Jessup, Mara Jessup, Jonathan (Shannon) Jessup, Jeremiah Jessup, Joseph (Kymberly) Jessup, James Jessup, Jedidiah Jessup, Josiah Jessup, Johanan Jessup and Hannah Jessup; five great grandchildren, Abigail, Bridget, Jonathan David, Josephine Jessup and Nicklas DeWitt.

Helen passed away Saturday, July 10, 2010, at her home in South Haven.

She is preceded in death by: her husband, Howard, in 2007; her parents; and three brothers, Orren, Miles and Robert; and a sister, Hazel Knoll.

Helen’s family with gather with friends on Friday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to noon at Yazel-Clark Chapel. Her service will follow led by Pastor John Kasper of  First United Methodist Church.

She will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to First United Methodist Church, Dowagiac, Old Rugged Cross Foundation or Hospice at Home. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Helen at www.yazel-clark.com.