Helen C. Alkire, age 90, of Gainesville, Florida and formerly of Jacksonville, Florida, died on Saturday, July 2, 2016 after a short illness. She was born December 30, 1925 in Tampa, Florida to Hezz and Ethel McAlister Cox. Mrs. Alkire was a legal secretary and bookkeeper during the many years she lived in Jacksonville. She moved to Gainesville 11 years ago to live next to her daughter. Playing bridge and traveling were two of her favorite activities. She was fortunate to visit 34 countries during her long and full life. Helen was also a devoted mother and wife as well as a faithful member of the Arlington and Mandarin United Methodist Churches in Jacksonville and First United Methodist Church in Gainesville. Mrs. Alkire was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Grace Helms, her first husband, Henry T. Harris, and her second husband, French L. Alkire. She is survived by her children Lynda Smith of Jacksonville, Florida, Steven Harris and his husband Lucien Rees-Roberts of New York, New York, and Karen Harris and her husband Andrew J. Evans of Gainesville together with 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church, 419 NE First Street, Gainesville, Florida, 32601. The interment will follow at Newnansville Cemetery in Alachua, Florida. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, July 13 from 5 to 7 pm at Milam Funeral Home, 311 S. Main Street, Gainesville, Florida, 32601. Helen loved flowers and they would be a lovely memorial gift. For those who wish, contributions may be made in her memory to First United Methodist Church or Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd, Gainesville, FL, 32606.
