Helen (Nicholson) Lee, 92, of Springfield died February 17, 2009 from complications of a stroke. She was a resident of the Manor at Elfindale for the past four years. Helen was born to Carl Byrd Nicholson and Dora Belle (Redfearn) Nicholson on January 24, 1917 in Bois D' Arc, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 70 years, Ben S. Lee, brothers Jerry and Vernon Nicholson, sisters Katy Baker, Donna Noggle and Phyllis McNeal. Helen is survived by her sons, Stephen and his wife Sally of Frisco, Texas; David and his wife Dora of Carbondale, CO and Mark of Springfield. Also surviving are her grandson Mike Lee and his wife Susan of Austin, TX and granddaughter Tracy Schwegman and her husband Bryant of The Colony, TX; triplet great granddaughters Taylor, Hannah and Cara Schwegman also of The Colony, TX; a brother Warren Nicholson of Springfield. Helen graduated from Bois D' Arc High School in 1933. She taught in rural schools for several years while earning her teaching credentials. After taking several years off to spend time with her three sons, she earned her BS in Education from Southwest Missouri State. After graduation, Helen began teaching at Mark Twain Elementary School the day it opened and stayed 28 years until her retirement in 1985. She then worked as a volunteer at St. John's Hospital for twelve years. She was active in several organizations for educators, including the Association of Childhood Education, Alpha Delta Kappa, and the Springfield Retired Teachers Association. Helen expressed her love of music by singing with the Springfield Chapter of Sweet Adelines for 28 years. She was a charter member of Southminster Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the church choir. The family wishes to thank those who contributed to Helen's care before her death including the staff at the Manor at Elfindale and caregivers Kathy Delicato and Betty Flanagan. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 22, 2009, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 23, 2009 in Southminster Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Bill Havens officiating. Burial will follow in Rock Prairie Cemetery, Halltown, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Southminster Presbyterian Church, 2245 Holland Avenue, Springfield, MO 65807.