Helen Grier

Helen Grier, age 79, of Dover, and a longtime resident of Atwood Lake, passed away peacefully Saturday morning in her home.

Born at Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania, August 26, 1932, she was a daughter of the late Walter Grayson and Elva Gladys Beal Cooper. Helen graduated from University High School at Morgantown, West Virginia, with the class of 1950.

On October 11, 1966, she married John Grier. The couple met working together at Big Bear Grocery Store and went on to observe forty-five anniversaries together before his death on April 12th of this year.

Helen had many occupations. None would be more enjoyable and rewarding than the decade, part of which she spent working alongside her husband, in the operation of Atwood Lake Park. She made many memories and lasting friendships throughout the years “cutting up and carrying on” as she was known to say.

She’ll be remembered for the special place she had in her heart for teenagers who were struggling. Helen spent a decade working for the Juvenile Attention Center at Canton, and then the multi-county facility at New Philadelphia. During that time, Helen opened her home to many foster children, even taking in siblings so they wouldn’t be separated into different homes. She was also fond of caring for her dachshunds and enjoyed visiting casinos and traveling with her husband John.

Survivors include a daughter, Jennifer (Shaun) Immel of Dover, and a son, Jim Cumpston of Columbus, Ohio.

She’ll be sadly missed by her grandchildren; Zachary, Rachel, and Evelyn Immel, Brian (fiancé Rachel) Fouts and Sherry Cooper (James) Todd, as well as two great-grandchildren; Riley and Ashlee.

A son-in-law, Dan Fouts of East Canton, two brothers, Charles Alan Cooper of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Jim Cooper of Morgantown, West Virginia, a sister, Mary Jo Horton of New Philadelphia, as well as many nieces and nephews complete the family.

In addition to her parents and husband, Helen is preceded in death by her daughter, Patty Fouts, a great-granddaughter, Casandra Fearon, a sister Ruth Cooper, a brother-in-law, Walter Horton and sister-in-law, Nancy Cooper.

Cremation is planned and the family will receive friends Sunday, June 24, from 1-2 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Following a brief candle ceremony at 2PM, a luncheon will be held in the hospitality center.

To share memories and condolences with the family, please visit the perpetual online memorial to Mrs. Grier at www.geibcares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made with checks payable to the Dover Orchestra Boosters, in care of Tina Sugalski, Dover Orchestra Boosters – Treasurer, 236 E. 6th St., Dover, OH, 44622.