Helen Smith, 72, transitioned from labor to reward Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas. She was surrounded by loving friends and family.
She was born January 3, 1954, in Alma, the second child of the late Ruth Green Smith and William “Bill” Smith, Jr. She received her formal education from Bacon County High School. She was employed with Edgar Studios Photo Finishing and later worked in sanitation at Lee Meats.
She was a loving and kind soul with a heart of gold, always willing to extend her generosity to anyone in need. She loved planting flowers and spending time with her grandchildren and also enjoyed talking with her friends. She was a unique and beautiful woman who was loved by all who knew her. She was funny, fussy, sassy and jazzy, and she never had a problem telling it like it was.
She was a faithful member of First African Baptist Church where she understood the importance of salvation and maintained a personal relationship with her Savior.
She was preceded in death by her late husband, James Madison; her parents and two sisters, Frances Jenkins and Rolando Holmes.
Her memories will forever be cherished by her three beautiful children, Kizzie Smith (Peter Lee), Tiffany McCloud and Brandon Smith (Christina), all of Alma; 10 grandchildren, Ashanti, Honestry, Ashely, Kaziya, Branisha, Kanye, Nazehe, Caleb, Branalyn and Brandon Jr.; one great- grandchild, Landon Smith; two sisters, Ida Marion (Johnny) and Twanay Smith; one brother, Tony Smith (Cheryl); one aunt, Estella Riley and one uncle, Eddie Wertz. She also leaves to cherish her memory: her special friend, Randy whom she held deep affection for; special friends, Joann White, Fritiz Ruben and Gracie Knets along with a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 10, from the First African Baptist Church in Alma, where the Rev. Stephon Deen is the pastor. Minister Jackie Welch was the eulogist.
Active pallbearers are Jason Carter, Stevie Carter, Elliot Jordan, Quez Sailem, Dawan Carter, Prell Moore and Marcus Baher.
Floral attendants are nieces and friends.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.raingememorialchapelinc.com.
Rainge Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
