Mrs. Denise Ann Helwig, affectionately known as “NeeCee”, of Greenwood, passed away peacefully on the early morning of Saturday, May 16, 2026, having attained the age of 75 years. NeeCee was born March 16, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a beloved daughter of the late Fredrick Dupont Jackson and Bernice Laura (Butler) Brown.

NeeCee attended Darby Township School system in Darby Township, Pennsylvania and continued her education at Temple University. During her high school years, she was a talented athlete and member of the state champion girls’ basketball team. NeeCee went on to build a successful and respected career in the healthcare insurance industry, serving as a Chief Operating Officer within group healthcare administration.

A vibrant and energetic woman, NeeCee embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. In her leisure time, she enjoyed playing cards, especially blackjack, and treasured her trips to the casinos of Las Vegas, where her favorite motto was, “Play big, win big!” Athletic by nature, she enjoyed bowling, tennis, and golf throughout her life. She loved the outdoors and took tremendous pride in caring for her beautiful flower gardens. She also loved birds and she provided a good life for them. She spent many relaxing hours watching them and listening to them sing as they frolicked in the bird baths and visited the birdhouses she provided for them.

NeeCee also found happiness in cooking, interior decorating, and relaxing with classic films on Turner Classic Movies, especially movies starring Joan Crawford. Music was another great passion in her life, not only was she a fantastic singer in her own right, she was an avid collector of albums of all genres. Her favorite artist was Luther Vandross. She also followed politics closely and was known for her strong conservative beliefs.

Above all else, NeeCee deeply loved her family. As the oldest of sixteen children, family gatherings and time spent with those she loved most brought her the greatest joy.

NeeCee is survived by her loving husband, Jon Helwig; her children, Michael (Krystelle) Hubert, Laurice (Kerry) Green, Denise (Michael) Mason, Fred (Erin) Helwig, Neil Helwig, Erik (Christine) Helwig and Nicole (Jason) Pelsis; her cherished grandchildren, Aubrielle, Avalin, Emma, Olivia, Wesley, Archer, Ciara, Kearsten and Kerry, Jr.; her siblings, Diane, Sharon (Michael), Joseph, Kenneth, William (Mildred), Fredrick Jr., Darrell, Frank (Leslie), Susan, Bernice, Jackie, Adrienne, Joanne, Stacey, and Michelle; her sister-in-law, Cindy (Laura) Helwig; her brothers-in-law, Ted (Dawn) Helwig and Dave (Nancy) Helwig; along with a host of loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved pets, Conrad, a Labrador Pointer mix; Duchess, her Chihuahua; and Bentley, her Terrier.

A Celebration of Life honoring NeeCee’s life will take place at 1:00 pm, Monday, June 1, 2026, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, with Rev. Tianda Smart-Heath officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

For those choosing to make a memorial contribution in NeeCee’s memory, the family kindly suggests those be offered to The Salvation Army.