Jane Anderson Helms

Jane Ann Anderson Helms, age 89, of Homerville, Georgia, died peacefully on December 13, 2024. Jane was born on March 15, 1935, in Washington, DC, to Robert Leo Anderson and Edna Malissa Meeks. On April 1, 1955, she married Jack Jeffrey Helms, Sr. Jack and Jane first lived in Pearson, Georgia, but in 1967, they moved to Homerville. They had two children, daughter Dr. Malissa Pearl Helms of Perth, Western Australia and son Jack Jeffrey (“Jeff”) Helms, Jr. (wife, Cathy) of Homerville, Georgia, and one grandson, Jane’s beloved “Sun, Moon, and Stars” Jack Jeffrey Helms, III, of Arlington, Virginia.

Jane received her B.A. degree in Education from The University of Georgia and taught second grade for 50 years, first at Pearson Elementary School in Pearson, Georgia, then at Southwood School in Waycross, Georgia, and then back at Pearson Elementary School, until she retired from teaching in 1999. However, by that date she had already started her second career as the consummate Southern hostess. In 1989, Jane turned her house in Homerville into a Bed & Breakfast known far and wide as “The Helmstead,” which she successfully ran for over 30 years. Jane was a very active member of the Homerville / Clinch County community and a tireless cheerleader for her beloved Homerville. Jane received many awards but was most proud of being recognized as State of Georgia Main Street Program’s “Volunteer of the Year” in 2013, “Citizen of the Year” by the Clinch County Chamber of Commerce in 2016, and having the Swing-Bed Unit of Clinch Memorial Hospital, which she affectionately called “the Clinch Ritz,” named in her honor in 2023. For many years, Jane was an active member of the Homerville United Methodist Church, and also participated in the Homerville Woman’s Club (Past President), Clinch Retired Teachers’ Association, Red Hat Ladies, John Floyd Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and she was an avid (and sharp) bridge player and an unabashed lover of all things Elvis Presley.

Jane is survived by her two children and one grandchild, as well as numerous cousins, one nephew, Andy Foster (wife, Carrie) of Indianapolis, Indiana, and countless friends around the globe.

A memorial service will be held at the Homerville United Methodist Church, 202 South Church Street, Homerville, Georgia, at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, December 19, 2024. A reception in the Social Hall will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Homerville United Methodist Church.

Roundtree Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.