Helen is survived by her children, Debbie Fisher (Rick), Katrina Doig (Marion), Chris Batson (Donna), Joe Batson (Pam), and Holly Diaz; grandchildren, Jamie Powell (Rob), Betsy Anthony (Lucas), Chad Doig (Allison), Bryan Doig, Sean Doig (Katie), Scott Batson (Suzanne), Casey Bryant (Alton), Travis Davis (Caroline), Caleb Gooden, Ashley Batson, Jacob Batson, Kristina Diaz (Clay); great-grandchildren, Thomas, Ashley, Jase, Leighton, Gray, Mac, Jacob, Evan, Cameron, Sullivan, Tilton, Harper, Taden, Greyson, Hannah, Damian, August, Brighton, and Finley. She is also survived by her sister, Eugenia Pearson, and a host of other family members and friends who loved her dearly.
In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Hal Batson and great-grandson, Bradford Davis.
Helen attended Furman University to study piano performance and her life was filled with beautiful piano music. Worshiping the Lord defined not only her life, but also her music. She spent 44 years as the pianist at Pickens First Baptist Church. Helen and her dear friend, Ladelle Crenshaw, led worship through 20 years of two piano concerts. Helen also taught piano over 50+ years to a multitude of youth and adult students. One former student wrote, “She taught me to play the piano, but she taught me so much more. She taught me how to worship Jesus through my music.”
Helen excelled in sewing, crocheting, knitting and tatting. She was a wonderful cook, known especially for her yeast rolls, blackberry jelly, and caramel cakes. She was witty and loved to laugh. She also loved to study God’s Word, and for many years helped lead Women’s Bible Studies at Pickens First Baptist Church. For a few years she led Bible Study in her home for several women in the community.
Helen leaves behind a legacy of faith, prayer, family, devotion, selflessness, kindness, perseverance, resilience, a beautiful smile, and unconditional love. When asked how she wanted to be remembered, Helen quickly answered, “That I loved the Lord!” Those who knew Helen will remember the profound impact she had on their lives, and her memory will continue to inspire her family and all who were blessed to know her.
While our hearts grieve, we do not grieve without hope, for we trust in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Helen’s faith has now become sight, and she rests in the presence of the Lord she loved. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Helen’s caregivers, Tammy Ferguson and Pat Holliday, who loved her and were devoted to her care, and to Agape Hospice, who lovingly provided care for the last year of her life.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on August 29, 2026 at 5:00 pm at Pickens First Baptist Church with visitation in the Fellowship Hall from 3:00-4:30 pm. The family will have a private graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pickens First Baptist Church.
