Helen I. Moon-Gaines

Helen Irene Vernon was born December 18, 1936 in Flint, Michigan to John Wallace and Frances (Smith) Vernon. The oldest of four brothers and one sister, all which survive her; James (Carol) Vernon, Joe Vernon, David (Patty) Vernon, Sue (Tom) Morin and Larry Vernon. Helen attended Herbert Hoover High School. She was on the girls basketball team, was a cheerleader, in a teen singing group called the "Teenettes", a trio that sang at many school and community events. Helen attended Girls State and was Valedictorian of her class. After high school, Helen married Earnest Moon in 1954. From their union came Deborah (Pat) Callahan, Stephan (Carrie) Moon and Douglas (Cathy) Moon. Helen has four grandchildren, Bridgit Callahan, Shawn Callahan, Stephan Moon, Jr. and Michael Moon. Also, 7 great grandchildren, Alexandrea Ava, Lilly Taryn, Teagan, Tyler, and Tyler, plus many dear nieces, nephews and cousins she adored. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest John Moon. She then married a former classmate, Billy Jack Campbell and started Campbell Industries in Grayling. Her final husband, another classmate, Dennis Gaines together ran Gaines Resort on Neebish Island. Helen was Retired Senior Volunteer Director in Grayling for 5 years, she also taught Youth Group at Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church where she loved ministering to the "Pool Hall Kid" (she called them her kids). She would often bribe them with food. They loved her and called her "Ma Moon" or "Bubbles". . After RSVP, she managed the John Wesley Hotel in Owosso, MI with plans of attending John Wesley College to become a minister. Throughout her life, Helen went to college. First to Kirtland Community College where she earned an Associate in Applied Science in Business. She then attended the University of Michigan and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Finally she attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing and earned a Juris Doctorate degree. After graduation, she set up the Cooley Law Clinic and was its Director. She was also the Coordinator for the Community Dispute Resolution Service in Lansing. While Director of Cooley Law Clinic, she helped set up many 501C (3) organizations, including; Mission of Hope Cancer Fund, The Capitalaires, Water Loo Horseman's Association, Open Door Ministries and Pressing On Family Services. She then went into private practice in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Luna Pier, Michigan and Monroe, Michigan. She semi-retired when she moved back to Grayling in 2014 to be closer to her son. Helen loved being involved in the community and helping others. She loved singing with Mother Singers and church choirs. She even did some acting through Grayling Community Players and also wrote and directed a play for the retired senior volunteers called "Down on the Farm", which they performed. In her spare time, which she didn't have much, she liked to read, sew, travel and spend time with family, especially the grandkids. She even bought a motor home when she was 75 years old. Helen's outlook on life was positive, mainly due to her relationship with the Lord Jesus Chirst. Because of that, she toughed many lives. Helen left this earth to be with her Lord on September 22, 2016 due to ovarian cancer. The family would like to thank Munson Hospice for their excellent care of our mother. And to all those who said prayers, sent cards and offered financial and other support. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28 at Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home, 1108 W. North Down River Rd., Grayling MI 49738. A service to celebrate her life will be held on Thursday, September 29 at Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Dennis Freeman officiating. Graveside service to follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Luncheon following at Grayling Eagles Club. On-Line condolence can be made at www.sorensonlockwood.com. Donations can be made in her name to Ovarian Cancer Research. Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helen I. Moon-Gaines, please visit our flower store.