Connie Helms Geter

Connie Helms Geter, age 75, of Phenix City, Alabama, passed away on March 28, 2026, in Columbus, Georgia, leaving behind a life marked by friendship, courage, and a spirited love for the people and places she held dear.

Connie was born on November 22, 1950, in Phenix City, Alabama, to Reles Lafayette Helms and Geraldine Wells Britt. She grew up with strong family ties and carried those bonds with her throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her life partner, James Caraway; her parents; and her brothers, James Helms and Wynam Helms. Their memories remained close to her heart, and she often reflected on the importance of family, loyalty, and the simple joys of life.

Connie was known by many for her warm personality and her gift for conversation. She was a social butterfly who could light up a room with her presence and draw people in with her easy smile and remarkable storytelling. Friendly by nature, she had a way of making others feel welcome and valued. Those who knew her best will remember her as courageous and spirited, someone who met life with determination and grace, even in the face of hardship.

She retired from Swift Spinning Mill after years of hard work and dedication. Connie later pursued another chapter of her life by graduating from Columbus Technical College with a degree in Marketing. From there, she followed one of her lifelong dreams and went on to work as a semi-truck driver, traveling across the United States and seeing the country she loved from the open road. She especially cherished the journeys she shared with James and grandson David, traveling far and wide and collecting memories that she treasured deeply.

Connie also found joy in farm life. She lived on a farm with James, where they grew crops feeding her family and friends in Louisville, Alabama. She enjoyed the rhythm of country living and appreciated the rewards of hard work and self-sufficiency. While she liked recipes, she did not necessarily enjoy cooking, but she loved the ideas, traditions, and conversations that food and family gatherings often inspired. She also enjoyed fishing and the peaceful moments that came with being outdoors.

She is survived by her two children, Ginger Geter and her husband Warren Hoover and Jeffery Geter and his wife Amy. She also leaves behind four grandchildren, David Geter, Kaylee Geter, Taylor Geter, and Tucker Helms; one sister, Doris Barron and her husband Frank; her niece, Wendy Stewart and her husband Adam; and her grandniece, Emily Stewart. Her family was a source of pride and joy, and she treasured each of them deeply.

Connie showed great courage in her final years as she fought so long and so bravely through her illness. Her strength, resilience, and determination were evident to all who walked beside her during that time. Even in difficulty, she remained herself, meeting each day with the same spirited nature that defined her life.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 2:00 PM ET to 4:00 PM ET at Colonial Funeral Home in Phenix City, Alabama. Her family and friends will gather to honor her memory and celebrate a life filled with love, hard work, and enduring connection.

Connie Helms Geter will be remembered for her friendly heart, her courageous spirit, and the many stories, smiles, and memories she shared with those around her. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, extended family, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.