AUGUSTA ? Helen Nicholas Burney, 91, of Augusta, went home to her Lord and Saviour on July 1, 2008, at MaineGeneral-Graybirch in Augusta. She was born in Columbia, Virginia on June 30, 1917, the daughter of Frederick and Mary Elizabeth (Willis) Nicholas. Helen grew up in Poughkeepsie, New York, where this description appeared in her 1935 high school yearbook: ?Helen combines an attractive appearance with a lovely singing voice and charm. This talented girl would be an asset anywhere?? William Burney and Helen Nicholas were married in Poughkeepsie, New York on January 12, 1941. During World War II, Helen served the war effort in an aircraft assembly plant inspecting bomber aircraft wings for rivet quality. She also worked in Maine?s shoe industry before joining the Maine Employment Security Commission, where she was a Statistical Analyst, retiring at 60 years of age. Helen was appointed by Governor Kenneth M. Curtis to serve on his Advisory Council on the Status of Women for four terms. She was a charter member of the NAACP of Central Maine. Helen Burney loved the lord and served in many capacities during her 70+ years of membership at Penney Memorial United Baptist Church. Some of these roles included terms as President of the American Baptist Women of Maine, President of Maine Church Women United, Chairwoman of the Grace Missionary Guild Love Gift program, Sunday school teacher, junior choir director, camp counselor and many others. Helen enjoyed her flower gardens and rejoiced each spring when her much loved rhododendron, lilac, philodendron and flower gardens burst into bloom. Family was always her number one priority; large family gatherings and reunions were high on the list of her favorite social obligations. She spent her life in God?s service, and sang in the Penney Memorial United Baptist Church choir for 40 years, participating in many of the church?s ?Living Christmas Tree? choirs. She also served as the church soloist at the First Church of Christ Scientist, Augusta for 17 years. Helen was the recipient of numerous awards, notations and recognitions, including: Church Women United?s ?Valiant Woman? award; 1991 Cecilia Club ?Musician of the Year? award; the Black Education and Cultural History, Inc. Reward of Recognition and Appreciation in 1992 and many others. She was also recognized for her contributions to the State of Maine with her own ?Helen Burney Day? in July, 2007, by Governor John Baldacci. Mrs. Burney was predeceased by her husband of 38 years, William D. Burney, on December 30, 1979; and by her brothers Frederick and Chester and sisters Louise, Agnes, Clara, and Edith. She is survived by her two children: daughter Annette F. (Florrie) Burney of St. Petersburg, Florida; son William D. Burney, Jr. and wife, Lynne of Augusta; granddaughter, Blaire; sister, Bessie Riley of Poughkeepsie, New York, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9th at Knowlton Hewins Roberts Funeral Home, 1 Church Street, Augusta. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 10th at 10:00 a.m. at Penney Memorial United Baptist Church. Interment will be held immediately following the service at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Winthrop Street, Augusta. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mrs. Burney's memory may be made to Penney Memorial United Baptist Church Memorials Fund, 35 Grove Street, Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences may be sent care of William Burney, Jr., PO Box 5215, Augusta ME 04332. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. www.khrfuneralhomes.com