Helene Vickers passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Saturday May 23, 2026. She was born on December 22, 1935 in Chateauroux, France to Stanislas and Bozena Jakuba. Helene met her husband while he was stationed there for military duty. She moved to America in November of 1954 when she became a US citizen. Helene and William remained married for 61 years, until his passing in 2015. She helped raise her family while living and moving across numerous states throughout her husband’s military career. After his retirement, they returned to Tennessee where they purchased land in Warren County.
Helene worked at JC Penney for 32 years while also helping with daily operations on their dairy farm. She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church since 1971. Her time was also spent being an active member of the United Methodist women’s group and as the treasurer of her Sunday school class.
Mrs. Vickers had several hobbies including painting, ceramics, sewing, crocheting and creating floral arrangements. Cooking was another of her passions as she loved to prepare meals for her large family or gatherings with friends. An avid gardener, she found peace in caring for the land and all the plants and animals that inhabited it. When time allowed, she also frequented her former home in France to reunite with her relatives. She was incredibly family oriented and deeply devoted to the ones she loved.
Helene was preceded in death by her husband William A Vickers, her son Billy Dan Vickers, and a brother Jean Claude Jakuba (Danielle). She is survived by her daughter Patsy Roberts; two grandchildren Britta and Nick Roberts; two great grandchildren Zoie and Jozie Roberts, her sister Jeanine Gourdon (Raymond), and her brother Daniel Jakuba (Noelle). Along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
Visitation will be Friday May 29th, from 4-7 PM at McMinnville Funeral Home. Her burial will be conducted at 1PM on Saturday where she will be laid to rest at Gunter-Grizzle Cemetery. There will be no visitation at the funeral home on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the First United Methodist Church or Meals on Wheels services.
Online condolences may be made at www.mcminnvillefuneralhome.com
McMinnville Funeral Home is honored to be of service to the family of Helene Vickers.
