Helen Cox Ferguson

PEORIA - Helen Cox Ferguson, 73, of Peoria passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 22, 2016 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center of complications brought on by the blood cancer, multiple myeloma. She was surrounded by her family in prayer. Helen was born in Highland Park, Illinois, March 15, 1943, and grew up in Deerfield. She was preceded in death by her parents Ambrose K. and Harriett S. Cox of Honolulu, Hawaii, formerly of Deerfield. She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Alan Ferguson, her three sons and daughters-in-law, John D. Morris (Cindy) and Stephen M. Morris (Joy), both of Peoria, and Thomas "T.K." Morris (Natasha) of Zionsville, Indiana, step-son John A. Ferguson of Indianapolis, her brother and sister-in-law, John Cox (Audrey) of Solon, Ohio and six grandchildren, Jordan Ambrose, Taylor, and Robert "Bobby" Morris of Peoria, and Cal, Hannah, and Isaiah Morris of Zionsville, and two nephews, John Cox, Jr. (Sarah) of Cincinnati, and Brian Cox of Fairborn, Ohio. Helen gave more than 50 years of her life to music and education. She came to Peoria to attend Bradley University, earning a bachelor's degree in education in 1966. She earned her master's degree in education from Illinois State University in 1992. She was a beloved part-time music and full-time elementary teacher in Peoria Public Schools for 35 years, most notably at Kellar Primary. She had a passion for helping young people find undiscovered talents and inspired others to do the same. She loved to sing and act. She was a music director for many Peoria Players, Cornstock, Eastlight Theater, and Caterpillar Chorus productions. She was choir director at University United Methodist Church. She helped start Willow Hill United Methodist in Germantown Hills as its founding music director. She was an accomplished soloist, performing for more than a hundred weddings. She served on the board of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and as an active member of the Peoria Area Retired Teachers Association. Upon retirement from Peoria Public Schools, she proudly returned to her alma mater as an adjunct instructor in the Bradley University Department of Education. For ten years, she taught classes and coordinated school placement for countless teachers in area schools. Even while coping with her illness, she helped start a support group for others. She never stopped serving. Visitation will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Good Friday, March 25, 2016, and a memorial service at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 26, 2016. Both will be held at First Federated Church, 3601 N. Sheridan Road, in Peoria. The Rev. Dr. Forrest Krummel and Rev. Sue Krummel will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded after services. In lieu of flowers memorials may be designated to the Bradley University Education Department or the Peoria Symphony Guild (www.peoriasymphony.org) in her memory. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.