Helen Faye Nichols Cleveland, 71, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, Palatka. The daughter of Lloyd and Ethel (Freeman) Nichols, she was born on Tuesday, March 4, 1952.  Her primary, intermediate, and high school grades were completed at Middleton Elementary School (Crescent City) and Matthew Scippio Academy (Ocala) respectively. She graduated from Bethune Cookman College (Daytona Beach) in 1972 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.

Helen was a member of the Palatka Church of God by Faith where she served under the leadership of Pastor Akin Ross. She served faithfully during her tenure at the church.  Helen served as Church Mother at her local fellowship. In her role, she demonstrated all the attributes of a "Mother". She loved and was committed to her local church family and the church at large. At her former church, Apostolic Church of Jesus, she served as a licensed missionary under the leadership of Bishop Gregory Johnson. In her role as missionary, she taught, nurtured, and counseled fellow members of the Body of Christ. She was employed by St. Johns River Water Management District in Palatka. During her tenure at the District, she made many meaningful and lasting relationships.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in eternal rest by her husbands, Michael Cleveland and Louis Willingham; oldest sister, Ruthie Ann Nichols; brother, Lewis Dewitt Nichols.

She leaves to cherish her memories: a loving and devoted son, Erskin Rashad Willingham; three grandchildren, David, Erskin, Jr., and Monica Willingham; two devoted brothers, Lloyd (Linda) Nichols, Mascot, FL; and Dylan (Zora) Nichols, Montgomery, AL; a devoted sister, Jane Nichols Ford, Palatka; special niece (who she cherished as her own), Marshell L. Stallings, Ft. Lauderdale; close cousins, Shirley Prince, Rose (Jimmie) Giddens, Deland; Naomi Padgett, Daytona Beach; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, devoted friends and co-workers.

Helen courageously fought a good fight, she finished her earthly course, and she kept the faith until her sunset at 9:10 AM, January 18, 2024 at Hope Haven Care Center.  May she ever rest in the presence of the Lord.

Visitation of family and friends will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, January 26, Church of God by Faith, 1511 Washington St, Palatka, FL 32177. Celebration of Life will be 3 pm, Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 608 Randolph St, Crescent City, FL 32112. Pastor Akin Ross is the eulogist. Interment: Evergreen Cemetery, Crescent City.