Helen Juanita Stephens

Helen Juanita Pritchett Stephens, 85, of Ellijay, passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, at her residence.

She was born Aug. 30, 1940, in Ellijay, to the late William Tobe Pritchett and the late Ollie E. Jones Pritchett. She spent her life rooted in the community she loved and remained faithful to the values she was raised with. She was a graduate of Gilmer High School Class of 1957.

A devoted member of Ellijay Church of Christ, she loved her church dearly and lived her life in service to her faith. Her church family held a special place in her heart, and she found great comfort and joy in worship, fellowship and serving others.

She was best known for her gentle spirit and her love for children. For many years, she cared for countless children through babysitting, an occupation she embraced with patience, compassion and dedication. She treated every child as her own, creating a safe and loving environment where many fond memories were made. Caring for children was not just her work - it was her calling and her joy.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband, Ernest "Runt" Stephens; two sons, Tracy Stephens and Mark Stephens; and five brothers, Hayden Pritchett, Marvin Pritchett, Ernest Pritchett, Elvin Pritchett and James Pritchett.

She is survived by daughter, Angie Hunter, of Ellijay; son and daughter-in-law, Richard (Angie) Stephens, of Ellijay; sister, Retha Tilley, of Dalton; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Lloyd (Pat) Pritchett and Homer (Margie) Pritchett, all of Ellijay; six grandchildren, Josh Stephens, Nikki Stephens, Dalton Stephens, Whitney Hunter, Aby Burnette and Stephanie Silva; and numerous great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services to honor her life were held Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, at 2 p.m. from the Ellijay Church of Christ with Min. Butch Jones and Min. Jeremy Green officiating. Vocals were by Barry Kingsley. Graveside interment followed in the Yukon Cemetery. The following gentlemen served as pallbearers: Dalton Stephens, Josh Stephens, Garry Rittenberry, Matthew Watkins, Jason Ledford and Dean Hunter.

She will be remembered for her kind heart, unwavering faith and the love she shared so freely with everyone she met. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the children she nurtured and the faith she faithfully upheld.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay is entrusted with these arrangements.