Mary Lou Helms, 87, of Hartford, Alabama, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary entered this world under humble circumstances in 1938 in Fadette, Alabama. She attended school in Fadette and Slocomb and began working at Van Heusen in Hartford before marrying the love of her life, Rex Helms. Together, they raised three children.

Mary later worked for the Geneva County School System, where she retired as a lunchroom manager. She was a talented seamstress who enjoyed creating custom draperies. She also found great joy in her kitchen, preparing meals and sharing them with family and friends. Her generous spirit, strong work ethic, and love for her family left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Mary was a faithful member of Hartford First Assembly of God, where she worshiped and served the Lord for more than 60 years. Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. She cherished her church family and was a living example of Christian love, kindness, and devotion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard Nathaniel Smith and Ruth Odell Smith; her brothers, Eugene Smith, James Smith, Gerald Smith, and Harold Smith; and her sisters, Barbara Wilcox and Bonnie Proctor.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Rex Helms; her children, John Terriel Helms (Brenda) of Slocomb, Christopher Eugene Helms of Hartford, and Tracy Renee Cowan (Joe) of St. Johns, Florida.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Angela Helms, Michael Helms, and Laura Helms, all of Hartford; Hope Purvis (Ben) of Fadette; Angie Parker and Shannon Summerlin of the Clanton area; Christi Fillingim (Corey) of Chancellor; Billy Maddox of Slocomb; Casey Helms and Caitlyn Helms of Bonifay, Florida; and Tyler Cowan (Chelsey) and Blake Cowan (Gabrielle) of St. Johns, Florida.

Mary was blessed with eighteen great-grandchildren: Logan Hartzog (Sophia), Levi Helms, Lexi Helms, Cade Purvis, Trent Hilton (Tiffany), Michael Hilton (Emily), Chase Hilton (Rachel), Chelsea Hilton, RayAnna Summerlin (Cody), Emily Summerlin (Kyler), Beth Morris (Tory), Logan Fillingim, Gavin Fillingim, Savannah Cowan, Emmett Cowan, Holden Cowan, Hudson Cowan, and Grayson Cowan.

She was also blessed with ten great-great-grandchildren: Crayton Hartzog, Charlotte Kilgore, Hudson Hilton, Easton Hilton, Colton Hilton, Camden Hilton, Kriket Hilton, Kyra Hilton, Halle Morris, and Jensen Morris.

She is further survived by her sisters, Opal Whitehead, Carolyn Hathaway (Jimmy), and Elaine Hoffman; her brother, Robert Smith; her brother-in-law, Herbert Carroll “Tiny” Helms; and her sisters-in-law, Angelyn Yates (Paul) and Augathee Helms. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends who were blessed by her love, kindness, and friendship.

Mary’s legacy of faith, love, hard work, and dedication to her family will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

The family will receive friends on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb, Alabama.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Hartford First Assembly of God (506 W. Burch St.) with Pastor Glenn Tate officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow in Hartford City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Cowan, Billy Maddox, Blake Cowan, Logan Hartzog, Michael Helms, and Logan Fillingim. Honorary pallbearers will be Levi Helms, Cade Purvis, Gavin Fillingim, and Keelan Leverette.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Hartford First Assembly of God in memory of Mary Helms.