Frances (Hanks) Helms Henson

Frances Hanks Helms Henson, age 94, of Leesburg, AL, formerly of Chalkville, AL, passed away Thursday August 20, 2026. A chapel service will be held Wednesday, August 26 at 2:00 p.m., Pastors Wendell Dutton and Jay Penton officiating.

Born into a family of quiet grace, Frances lived a life defined by her two greatest passions: her family and her walk with Christ. Frances was the daughter of Cora Patterson Hanks and Braxton Comer Hanks of Coats Bend, AL. As a mother, she was the heart of her home, a constant source of wisdom, hugs and gentle guidance. Her home was a place of comfort, and her advice was anchored in scripture. She was a faithful pillar of Slackland Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years, led the WMU group and baked many dishes for church socials and benevolence dinners. Her home was always open, her heart was always full, and her hands were always working in service to others. She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, quiet strength, and deep devotion to God and family.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years John Frank Helms; her parents; her siblings Comer Hanks, Jr., Sara McDaniel, Betty Lasseter, Julia Strawn; her grandchildren Kylie Reaves and Caleb Reaves.

She is survived by her husband of 11 years Charles Henson; her daughters, Joan (Gary) Reaves, Trussville, AL, Jeanni (Doug) Orazine, Springville, AL and Joy (Gene) Queen, Leesburg, AL; her grandchildren, Dustin (Allison) Reaves, Deric (Ana) Reaves, Wendi Fassina, Kerri (Chris) Mahaffey, Scott (Courtney) Orazine and Casey (Mike) Regnier; great-grandchildren, Braxton and Emily Reaves; Austyn, Lucas, Logan, Olivia Reaves; Max and Isabella Medero; Braelyn and Nicholas Fassina; Matthew, Abby and Emma Mahaffey; Ellie, Ava and Annie Orazine; Noah, Mason and Emerson Regnier; sisters, Sue (Steve) Yarbrough, Wanda (Dennis) Simmons and Marie Cook and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be all grandsons and great-grandsons.

Her prayer and desire was that because of her life, her family and friends will choose to believe in Christ.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Slackland Baptist Church in Leesburg, AL directed to the WMU program.

The family will receive friends at Collier-Butler Funeral Home from 12:30 until time of service. Burial will follow at Crestwood Cemetery.

The Lord said, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful.” Matthew 25:21