Helen Smith Danuser

A celebration of Life for Mrs. Helen Smith Danuser, age 98, will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 2:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Milledgeville with Rev. Ken Danuser and Dr. Jason Danuser officiating. A reception will be held in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. Mrs. Danuser was a lifelong resident of Baldwin County. She was predeceased by her husband Chester B. Danuser, her parents, E.J. and Gussie Smith, and her siblings, Francis Humphries, J.D. Smith, Leslie Smith, and Alan Smith. She is survived by her daughters, Vickie Swinger (Gary) and Ann Danuser, and her sons, Chet Danuser (Jean) and Dwight Danuser (Karen), all of Milledgeville, Ken Danuser (Kaye) of Cumming, and Chris Danuser (Trenesa) of New Jersey; grandchildren, Bo Danuser, Shar Danuser, Jason Danuser (Stephanie), Greg Danuser (Nancy), Megan Luttrull (Jason), Hayley Hanson, Dylan Danuser, Romon Danuser, Rachel Sposito, Russell Swinger (Samantha), Will Swinger (Emma), Kyle Sparks (Carolyn), and Kaitlyn Corazao (Peter); great grandchildren, Alaynah Luttrull, Carlie Luttrull, Wesley Danuser, Luke Danuser, Marleigh Swinger, Lola Sposito, Wilder Swinger, and Lara Swinger; nieces, Joyce and Kristi Blizzard and nephew, Walter Smith (Rosie); and a number of additional nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Meals on Wheels of Baldwin County or First Presbyterian Church of Milledgeville. Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Margaret Helen Smith Danuser “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10 Mrs. Margaret Helen Smith Danuser—known as Mama, Miss Helen, Granny, Aunt Helen, GM, Miss Mama, Ole Skeester, or Georgia Mama—was a masterclass in living with love, grace, and just the right dash of sass. She didn’t just use her gifts—she poured them out. Into her cooking. Into her community. Into every hug, handwritten note, and well-timed phone call. She celebrated everyone around her—big wins and small—and always made sure you knew you were loved. If you sat at her table, you remember it well. Flaky homemade biscuits served with beef stew or chili, a side of ChowChow, and fresh colorful vegetables arranged like art—because flavor and family always came first. She believed in beautiful food and meaningful conversation, and she was known to pause, close her eyes, and savor a bite like it was a gift. If that bite happened to be chocolate, even better. And don’t be surprised if a lollipop showed up in her purse—she didn’t discriminate when it came to a sweet treat. One of her most tender daily rituals was born out of love for her beloved husband, Chester “Dan” Danuser. At his request, she always kept ice cream in the house for his nightly bowl. And even after he passed, she honored that tradition—continuing to end her days with a scoop of ice cream, any flavor on hand, as a sweet and sacred tribute to the man she called Dan. That small delight, shared across decades, became her way of remembering him—with joy, not sorrow. The heart of the family was—and still is—76, the beloved home in Milledgeville, Georgia, marked by its windmill, overflowing flower beds, and gardens full of fresh vegetables. That home was more than a place—it was the gathering ground, the memory keeper, and the soul of the Danuser family. She could trace anyone’s family tree faster than you could say hello, often amazing strangers with how she connected the dots. Whether it was the mailman or a cousin twice removed, she knew people—and more importantly, she loved them. When she said “you people,” it wasn’t exclusion—it was a warm, loving welcome into her circle. Everyone was family. Helen was sharp-witted and quick with a laugh, just like her beloved mother, Gussie Smith. She brought humor, style, and strength to every role she held: wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, and friend. And most enduring of all, she was the devoted wife of Dan, her partner in love, laughter, and hospitality for nearly 80 years. Together, they were the original hosts with the most, always ready to open their door and their hearts. Today, we celebrate Helen’s remarkable life—and even more, the way she celebrated ours. Through food, flowers, laughter, love, and the kind of legacy that can’t be measured in years but in lives touched. So let us honor her the best way we know how: gather at the table, enjoy a good bite, laugh from the belly, and end the day with a scoop of ice cream—whatever flavor you’ve got.

Helen Smith Danuser

October 28, 1926 - June 15, 2025