Born on June 9, 1942, Helen was a beacon of love and unwavering strength. To her family and friends, she was simply “Nanny” — a name that held warmth, kindness, and countless cherished memories. Her life was a beautiful example of grace, compassion, and resilience.
Helen was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She poured her heart into her family, always putting others before herself. Whether through her comforting words, her delicious home-cooked meals (especially “Nanny” pudding) or her quiet presence that made everything feel safe, Nanny made a lasting impact on everyone blessed to know her.
Helen traveled the world, resided in four states and in Germany with her husband who served in the U.S. Army for 28 years, before settling in Mobile, Alabama. She was an avid bingo player as well as a hall of fame bowler. She was inducted into the Mobile Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 2005. She enjoyed traveling and bowling in tournaments across the country with her special bowling friends. Her competitive spirit was always up for a game of Phase 10 or Yahtzee. Her laughter could light up any room. Her love for her family was boundless, and her legacy lives on in the values she instilled in us: kindness, perseverance, and unconditional love.
Helen is survived by her children: Cathy (Danny) Woodard, Joyce Givens, Billy (Dana) Givens, and Doug (Samantha) Givens; Grandchildren, Steven Lee (Janice) Smith, Aimee Smith, Samantha Givens Byrd, Chasity Givens, Ellie Givens, Bailey Hayes, Emma, Molly, and Ben Chancey; Great-Grandchildren, Braxton Jones, Melina Smith, Maddy Smith, Raeley Johnston, Micah Steiner, Charlie Byrd and Blake Givens; Special People, Tina Brasher, Melinda Rowell, Voncile Peters, Carol Nelson, Flora Maples, Pat Dean, and a host of others; Extended Family, Reba (Mack, Kenleigh, Rowan, and Reagan) Weeks, Dale (Elaine) White, Courtney (Bruce) and Maggie Bender, Josh (Jordan) and Lainey White.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Elgin Givens; a son, Charles “Chuckie” Givens; a grandson, Steven Ray Givens; two granddaughters, Stephanie Givens and Kelsey Johnston; her parents, Charles Oliver and Mamie Lee Moss Maples; and all her siblings.
A visitation for Helen will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Radney Funeral Home – Saraland from 5:00-7:00 pm. A service to honor and celebrate her life will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 2:00pm in the Chapel of the funeral home. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery – Saraland, AL.
All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend wearing her favorite colors lavender, yellow, or pink.
Rest easy, Nanny. Your love lives on in us all.
