Nancy Helms

Obituaries

Tuesday, 17 January 2023 12:56

Lifelong Woodville resident, Nancy Collins Helms, born to Arthur and Louisa Collins on Saturday, October 25, 1947, passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2023.
A celebration of life was held on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Scottsboro Funeral Home with burial following in Union Cemetery.

Nancy was full of life, always. Simply said, she loved people. After graduating from Woodville High in 1966, she met the love of her life, Steve Helms, going on to the University of North Alabama, earning a degree in education. Nancy and Steve married in 1969 and set up their home in Woodville. In 1970, she began her long teaching career at Paint Rock Valley High School, later working as Jackson County’s homebound teacher, finishing her career as the Home Economics teacher at Woodville High. She had a true heart for teaching and loved all of her students dearly.
There was never a time that her door was not open in her home. Never a time that she was not cooking and feeding a crowd. It was a constant joke in the family that someone would ask, “So, when is the army showing up to eat?” Her home was always decorated for every season and holiday. She enjoyed gardening, and her ferns and flowers graced many community events.

More than anything, Nancy loved her friends and family dearly. She loved being a mother to her children and Nana to her grandchildren; she never missed an event and was always their biggest supporter. In addition to serving and loving her family, she loved her community and was known for her pecan tarts, gifting them regularly. She was passionate about Woodville Public Library and was a founding member of the library board, serving faithfully until her passing. Nancy loved and loved well.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Steve; sons, Chris and Scott (Robyn); grandchildren, Hardy and Ellie; sister, Annette (Bob) Dowdy; sisters-in-law, Faylene (Eddie) Smith, Norma Helms; brother-in-law, Randy Helms; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Gladys Barkley; brothers, Carl and Wyatt Collins; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Collins, Pat Collins; brothers-in-law, Larry Helms, Haynes Barkley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Woodville Public Library or to First United Methodist Church of Scottsboro.