By Bonita Wilborn
On Saturday, January 7, 2023, the Scottsboro Police Department responded to a single-vehicle automobile accident in the 19000 block of Alabama Highway 35, where they found Nancy Collins Helms, age 75, of Woodville, inside the vehicle. She was taken to Huntsville Hospital where she later died from her injuries. Authorities said no further information on the crash is available at this time, but the crash is still under investigation.
Nancy Helms was the wife of Woodville Mayor Steve Helms and was a beloved teacher at Paint Rock Valley High School and Woodville High School.
Nancy graduated from Woodville High School in 1966 and it was there that she met the love of her life, Steve William Helms. She shared many times about “the boy from the mountain that would ride by my house on his motorcycle.” She was smitten and so was he. She went on to the University of North Alabama and earned a degree in education, while Steve attended Auburn University. The two married In June of 1969 and set up their home in Woodville, Alabama.
Nancy began her long teaching career in January of 1970 at Paint Rock Valley High School, later worked as Jackson County’s homebound teacher, and finished her career as the Home Economics teacher at Woodville High School in 2009. Nancy had a true heart for teaching and loved all of her students dearly.
There was never a time that Nancy’s 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 when sitting down for a meal together that someone would ask, “So, when is the army showing up to eat?” Her house 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 Chris and Scott and “Nana” to her grandchildren, Hardy and Ellie. She never missed an event and was always their biggest supporter.
In addition to serving and loving her family, she loved her community. She was known for her pecan tarts and gifted them regularly. Nancy was passionate about the Woodville Public Library. She was a founding member of the Library Board and served faithfully until her death. Nancy loved and loved well.
Nancy Helms is survived by: Husband of 53 years – Steve Helms. Sons – Chris Helms and Scott (Robyn) Helms. Grandchildren – Hardy Helms and Ellie Helms. Sister – Annette (Bob) Dowdy. Sisters-in-Law – Faylene (Eddie) Smith and Norma Helms. Brother-in-law – Randy Helms. Many Nieces and Nephews.
She was preceded in death by: Parents – Arthur and Louisa Collins. Sister – Gladys Barkley. Brothers – Carl Collins and Wyatt Collins. Sisters-in-Law – Elisabeth Collins and Pat Collins. Brothers-in-Law – Larry Helms and Haynes Barkley.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 2:00 PM from the Scottsboro Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM prior to the service. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery in Woodville.
