Helen Ryan Sefers

Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and Friend, Helen Sefers, 95, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026, at her home in Marietta, GA.

Born March 6, 1931, in Harrisburg, AR, Helen was the sixth of nine children born to the late Steven Ryan and Clara Ryan and was the last surviving sibling. From the very beginning, Helen possessed the qualities that would define her remarkable life-strength, determination, kindness, and a heart filled with love for others, especially her large and devoted family.

Helen was truly the matriarch of the family, sharing joy wherever she went. Her family, without question, was the greatest joy of her life. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family meant the world to her. Her love was constant and unconditional. She was an avid Scrabble player (and I might add, she could beat the best) and loved the excitement of the slot machines. She embraced life's adventures with a wonderful sense of spontaneity and humor.

Helen's Christian faith was an important part of her life. She was a lifelong member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Jonesboro, AR, eventually moving her membership to The Catholic Church of St. Ann in Marietta, which she faithfully attended. Those who knew Helen will remember her for her generous heart, her love of family, and the warmth she brought to every gathering. Above all, Helen cherished the people she loved and the time they shared together.

Helen married the love of her life, Melbourne Wayne "Bo" Sefers, in November 1953, sharing 67 years of marriage before his death on December 31, 2020. She is survived by her eight children-Ronnie Sefers of Memphis, TN; Donna McKelvey of Cumming, GA; Mike Sefers of Jonesboro, AR; Bob (Irma) Sefers of Rock Hill, SC; Steve (Melissa) Sefers of Richmond Hill, GA; Ray (Jeanette) Sefers of Canton, GA; Sherry Rimert of Marietta, GA; and Darrel (Jim) Sefers of Griffin, GA. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, who were among the greatest blessings of her life.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Jonesboro. Burial will follow at Willis Cemetery in Harrisburg at 1:00 p.m. Following the burial, family and friends will gather at home of Connie Ryan.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.westcobbfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by West Cobb Funeral Home, 2480 Macland Rd., Marietta, GA 30064.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Willis Cemetery Fund, c/o Mrs. Connie Ryan, 3124 Waymon Rd., Jonesboro, AR 72404.