Pike County teacher dies of COVID. 59 K-12 public school employees have died in KY.
A longtime Johns Creek Elementary teacher has died of COVID-19, Pike County Superintendent Reed Adkins said Monday.
Janet Helvey, 58, is at least the 59th Kentucky K-12 public school employee who has died of the coronavirus since the pandemic began in March 2020, according to a list maintained by the educator’s group Kentucky 120 United.
Helvey was a fifth grade teacher at Johns Creek Elementary. Adkins said she had worked for there her entire career. Her obituary said she had been a teacher for 22 years.
She was diagnosed with COVID a few weeks ago and had been hospitalized at least a few days, Adkins said.
“It seemed like she had taken a turn for the better,” Adkins said, but she died Sunday.
Helvey, who taught math and science, “was very good with kids,” said Adkins.
Parent Jennifer Lindon said Helvey had “ walked right by my side the entire year. “
“She has offered additional time for my son when needed and pushed him to succeed when needed. She was compassionate and kind but stern because she knew his ability to succeed,” said Lindon. “...she will be one of the teachers who has etched a mark in my son’s heart.”
“She was a light in our lives -- I knew if I needed anything I could email her and she would help anyway she could,” said Lindon. “ We are heartbroken.”
In a Facebook post four days ago, Helvey said, “I am very sick and weak. Please, please pray.”
Helvey’s obituary said she was the wife of Michael D. Helvey and had a son and daughter.
