Helen Glenn (Earl) James

Helen Glenn Earl James, 83, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family in Vestavia Hills on January 2, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. She is now in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Helen was born on November 3, 1942, in Huntsville, Alabama to Tom Frank Earl and Sarah Patterson George. Helen graduated from Huntsville High School where she was a cheerleader and later from Auburn University where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. She received her degree in Elementary Education from Auburn in 1964 and began her life-long passion for teaching children to read and love the Lord. That year she married Donald R. James, Sr. (“Donnie”), who was born on the same day and same year – though he liked to tell people, “but not in the same hospital”. Helen loved the Lord, her family, her church, teaching kids to read and mentoring women.

She taught first grade for over thirty years, primarily at Vestavia Hills East Elementary school. Helen was actively involved in all facets of Christian ministry. She was the past president of the Alabama chapter of AGLOW International, volunteered at Children’s Harbor, rocked babies at Children’s Hospital, led weekly small groups and was one of the founding members of The Church of the Highlands. After retiring from teaching elementary school (though she never stopped teaching) Helen served as the Director of Outreach for The Church of the Highlands until her second retirement.

She was predeceased in death by her parents and her brother, Thomas Frank Earl, Jr. She is survived by her beloved husband Donnie of sixty-one years, her children Randy James (Beth), Karen Yendle (Simon), five grandchildren, Hayden Yendle Hughes (Heath), Meghan Yendle, Lauren Yendle, Trey James, Madelyn James, and two great grandchildren, Millie and Kynley Hughes. Helen lived a life of faith, joy, service, love and compassion. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Theresa Colvin, Cythnia Colvin-Walker and Befonie Colvin who were by her side the last months of her life.

A celebration honoring Helen’s life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. and services to follow at 12:00 p.m. in the Chapel at The Church of the Highlands. In lieu of flowers, Helen would have been pleased if you volunteered your time or support to a ministry of your choosing.