Helen Northam

Helen Northam, age 86, of Northport, died July 8, 2013, at DCH Regional Medical Center. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Roger Lucas officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park with Sunset Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, James Gaylon Northam; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Verdo DuBose; and her brothers, Bernice DuBose, Ed Cain DuBose, and Carlie DuBose.

Survivors include her sons, Jerry Northam (Danna), Larry Northam, and Randy Northam (Cindy); sisters, Patsy Stripling, Nona Faye Miles, and Frieda Peoples; grandchildren, Jason Northam (Phyllis), Joel Northam, and Joshua Northam; and great-grandchildren, Courtney Northam, Ayden Northam, and Alaina Northam.

She obtained her Masters of Education from the University of Alabama. She was an avid teacher in both Lamar and Tuscaloosa County School systems. She taught first grade at Crestmont Elementary for 28 years and received Tuscaloosa County Teacher of the Year. She served as an active member of Chapel Hill Baptist Church. Her gifts of teaching and patience provided encouragement for all.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Wesley DuBose, Chris Stripling, Mark Miles, Kyle Lollar, Michael Freeman, and Gary Elliott.

Honorary pallbearers are the Milton Gurganus family, Bill and Diane McDonald, Rayburn and Sandra Brown, retired teachers of Crestmont Elementary, Dwight Bingham and employees of Lakeland Grocery, Frances Terry Sunday School Class, members of Chapel Hill Baptist Church, and employees of Northport Tuscaloosa Teachers Credit Union.

Condolences may be offered at www.sunsetbrown-funeral.com.