Anne Jacqueline "Jackie" Helms

It is with sorrow that we announce the passing of Anne Jacqueline “Jackie” Helms, who left us peacefully on October 4, 2024, at the age of 90. Jackie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone she met. Born on May 30, 1934, in Charlotte, N.C., Jackie grew up in Little Five Points, Atlanta, Ga. She was saved at a Billy Graham revival in Atlanta at the age of 16, along with her friend Bee Jay. Jackie joined the First United Methodist Church in 1983 and became a member of the Open Door Sunday School class in 1994. Jackie graduated from Georgia State University at the age of 47 and retired as a third-grade teacher from Dowell Elementary in 1996. She was blessed with three sons and two grandsons, and her home was always filled with love and laughter. Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Creel Helms; her son, Scott Buchanan; and her mother, Mallary Griffin. She is survived by her sons, Steve Buchanan and his wife Peggy Buchanan, and Kent Buchanan and his wife Valerie Buchanan; her grandsons, Sam Buchanan and his wife Samantha Buchanan, and Colt Buchanan; her stepdaughter, Melissa Baretta and her husband Bryan Baretta, and their daughters Bryn and Cara; and her cousin, Diane Frank. A memorial service will be held at Southern Cremations & Funerals in Marietta on October 12, 2024, from 12:30-1 PM, with a graveside service following. Visitation will be from 10 AM to 12:30 PM. Jackie’s legacy of love, kindness, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” will forever remind us of her unwavering faith and strength.