Helen Myrtle Alred Jacobs

Helen was born on December 11, 1935 to James and Hattie Alred in Athens, Alabama. She was the only girl of four children and loved her brothers Vernon, James Charles “J.C.”, and Gerald dearly. After growing up in the small, rural town, she moved to Chicago to find better opportunities for herself. In Chicago, she married former husband George Jacobs. As an army wife, she spent the earliest part of her marriage caring for her family as they were stationed around the country and even overseas in Germany.

Helen had four children, Timothy “Andy”, Mark, Scott and Melissa “Lisa” Jacobs. Later in life, her family grew to include 9 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Her home served as the center of family gatherings and her presence brought comfort, mischief and laughs, and unconditional love.

Once Helen and her family settled in Augusta, Georgia, Helen began a career at Southern Bell as a switchboard operator. She later had the chance to train and become one of the first women to work as a telephone lineworker, a career in which she took great pride. Upon retiring, Helen spent much of her time with her family. She also found joy in giving back to her community through the Bell South Pioneers. She was a leader serving as the chapter president for several years and otherwise as the go-to contact for the volunteers and personnel who worked with her. Her volunteerism earned her several awards within the organization. Additionally, Helen volunteered at her local voting precinct each year and had a strong sense of civic duty.

Helen was predeceased by her parents James and Hattie Alred, brothers Vernon, J.C., and Gerald Alred, son Timothy Andrew “Andy” Jacobs Sr., and grandson Timothy Andrew Jacobs Jr.. She is survived by children Mark Jacobs (Karen Wise), Scott Jacobs (Deborah), and Melissa Goldstein (Mark); grandchildren Joseph Jacobs, David Armstrong, Joshua Cohen (Abbey), Natasha Jacobs, Corey Jacobs (Brittany), Kristen Coldiron (J. Lynn), Kayla Jacobs, and Matthew Cohen (Haidee); and all of her great- and great-great-grandchildren.

Helen leaves behind a legacy of love in her passing and will be warmly remembered by all those who knew her as a beautiful, spirited, and fun-loving person who never met a stranger. Her strength and generosity will neither be forgotten by her loved ones nor her community and her absence will be felt deeply by all.

In accordance with Helen’s wishes, she will be cremated and her ashes will be returned to Alabama where her grandparents, Charles and Savannah Alred, once lived. As such, the family will receive friends for a service and celebration of life at Elliott and Sons Funeral Home (Columbia Road) on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 1pm. Flowers may be sent to Elliott and Sons directly, or alternatively, please consider planting trees in Helen’s name with the Arbor Day Foundation.