Our Family's Loss

The joy of the 2005 Holiday Season has been dampened for the Williams-Rivers Family with the sad news of the passing of Helaine Henning in California (after a batttle with cancer). She passed on Thursday December 8, 2005. Helaine is the daughter of Garnett Henning and Ernestine Darnester Lee , the granddaughter of Robert Edward Lee and Alversa Williams , great-granddaughter of Dennis Williams and Luella Short , great-great granddaughter of Harmon Williams and Harriet Elizabeth Rayner and great-great-great granddaughter of Mandi Williams.

Her name, Helaine translated from Greek means "the bright one" and there could be no better phrase to describe her attitude and personality. I met Helaine, her sister Carma and brother Garnett in the late seventies and early eighties at some of the very first Williams-Rivers Family Reunion gatherings. As we saw each other again and again at reunions, we became friends--her strength and positive attitude were her hallmark and a source of inspriation throughout our family. The importance of family for Helaine was obvious, as she attended family reunions over the years and when she was unable to attend for health reasons in 20o4, she still sent her daughter Jahbrielle Henning-Rayford (who won the award that year for Williams-Rivers family member who had traveled farthest to attend the reunion).

We learned of Helaine's battle with cancer from Carma last summer and have added her to our prayers on a regular basis. Even knowing of her battle, her passing brings great shock and sadness. We will all miss her. We will continue to pray for her and her family. Please remember Helaine in your family's prayers this Holiday Season.