Helen Ann Poythress

Dr. Helen Ann Poythress was born July 20, 1951, in Griffin, Georgia to the Late Mr. Milton Sr. & Mrs. Lucy Mae Hancock. She was the third of six children.
On December 6, 2024, Helen transitioned from Labor to Reward into the presence of the Lord. Our hearts will forever be filled with memories of "MamaHelen" as a kind and dedicated mother, a loving wife, a nurturing grandmother, supportive sister, thoughtful aunt, faithful Pastor, loyal friend and an all-round amazing woman of God.
Dr. Helen attended Elementary and High School in Griffin, Georgia Spalding County Public School System. She graduated in 1969 from Fairmont High School with honors. She was outgoing, active in High School as Cheerleading and she loved to dance. Upon graduating from high school, she attended West Georgia College, where she earned her degree in Nursing and graduated Summa Cum Laude. Dr. Helen worked and retired after twenty-six years of service as a registered nurse in Coweta County Hospital in Newnan, Georgia. Dr. Helen continued to achievements many scholastic accomplishments by attending the following higher education institution such as Carroll Tech, Rehma Bible College, Emmanuel Seminary and Slidell Baptist Seminary where she attained her Doctoral degree in Theology and graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Dr. Helen was an extremely intelligent Woman of God, and she always enjoyed volunteering and working in the community, where she received several awards for her Community Service. She loved children and as a result of that love... she become a Foster Parent and took in over 350 children into her home.
Dr. Helen Poythress is the Founder and Lead Pastor of The RefugeCenter Church located in Newnan, Georgia.
Dr. Helen met and married the love of her life Deacon Joseph Poythress on February 29, 1975, and they were happily married for 48 blessed years.
Her grandson Elijah Mathis proceeded her in death.
Dr. Helen leaves to cherish her precious memories a faithful Husband Joseph Poythress; Children, Billy (Meredith) Mathis, Kevin Mathis, Josette Poythress, Michelle (DeMarcus) Wright, Quawanna Poythress, Antonio Poythress, Shelia (Perry) Huggins, Kenneth (Faye) Poythress; Grandchildren: Jaylen, Michael, Jelissa, Tamarkus, Alexander, Aaliyah, Grady, Alycia, Desmond, Ralph, Kenneth Jr., LaPorsha, Benjamin, Skylar, Jordynn; Siblings: Vivian (Bob) Thompson, Brenda Faye Dorsey, Phyllis Hancock, Debra Hancock, Rev. Milton (Jackie) Hancock, Jr.; God-Sister Sallie Render and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends.