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IN LOVING MEMORY OF Gerlene Helton
Gerlene
Helton
July 16, 1939 – February 17, 2026
Gerlene Helton's Obituary
Mrs. Gerlene "Ma" Helton, of Helton Drive in Suches, Georgia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on February 17, 2026.
Mrs. Helton was born July 16, 1939, on Star Creek in Morganton, Fannin County, Georgia, and was the daughter of the late Hervie Hyde and Desmer Cole Hyde (Mama Hyde). She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Bymon Helton; her brother Alvin "Bud" Hyde and his wife, who was like a sister to her, Gertrude Hyde; brothers Buil Hyde and James Nigel "J.N." Hyde; and sisters Regina "Litt" Morris and Bonnie Lee Hyde.
Gerlene was part of a family rooted in these mountains for many generations, and she spent almost her entire life in the Suches community she loved so deeply. She was a true mountain woman — strong, faithful, and devoted to her family. She helped raise her children and grandchildren, always giving of herself and her time through hard work, gardening, cooking, tending home, and living a simple life grounded in faith and love. Her greatest joy was caring for her people.
She was a longtime member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church #2 ("The Hill Church"), where her faith was a steady part of her daily life.
She is survived by her sons, Steve and Tammy Helton and Tim and Lucinda Helton, all of Suches, Georgia.
She was a great mom to both her sons, and she never missed cooking a homemade breakfast for her boys every morning of their childhood.
She leaves behind four very special grandchildren:
Dr. Corey Helton and wife Caitlin Helton of Charlotte, North Carolina;
Amanda and Ty Johnston of Sebastian, Florida;
Rebecca and Kyle Jones of Suches, Georgia;
Kaitlyn Helton of Dahlonega, Georgia.
She is also survived by her sister, Jo Ann Hyde of Turtletown, Tennessee; a host of very special nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and a host of other family and friends.
To her grandchildren she was simply "Ma." They were the light of her life. She filled their childhood with memories that will live forever — pitching tents in the living room, playing in cardboard boxes, fishing trips, long walks, homemade pizza nights, and pancakes that were always waiting during sleepovers. Every grandchild felt they were her favorite because she loved each one personally
and deeply. They didn't just visit Ma's house-they ran to it.
Gerlene was known for her steady faith in God. You never heard her say a bad word about anyone. She was kind and loving to all. She prayed daily for her children, her grandchildren, her church family, and anyone she heard was hurting. She valued independence, dignity, and family above all else, and she lived her life quietly serving others. She was the kind of woman who held a family
together, the thread that never broke.
Gerlene was light hearted, loved to laugh, and enjoyed being around her family and friends.
Though our hearts are broken, Heaven has gained a faithful servant and our Ma is finally home.
She built and leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and love that will live on in the mountains she called home.
Visitation will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 Highway 19 North, Dahlonega, Georgia.
After the funeral service, family and friends will travel in procession to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church #2 ("The Hill Church") in Suches, Georgia, for a graveside service, where she will rest next to her husband in the family plot. The service will be officiated by Pastor Steve Rhoten and William Phillips, with Pastor Casey Robinson officiating the graveside service.
Flowers are accepted, or checks may be mailed to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church for the cemetery fund: P.O. Box 132, Suches, GA 30572
To share memories or condolences with the family, visit Mrs. Helton's online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com.
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 Highway 19 North, Dahlonega, GA 30533
To plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our tree store.
Funeral Services for Gerlene Helton
Visitation
February
21
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Funeral Service
February
21
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home
Starts at 2:00 pm
Gerlene Helton's Guestbook
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