Jackie Helms

Jackie Helms, aged 74 of El Dorado, AR, passed away January 13th, 2026, after a courageous battle with kidney cancer. She departed peacefully at Washington Regional Hospice in Fayetteville, AR.

She was born on April 4th, 1951, in Spearsville, LA, to Bonnie and Rowena Echols. Jackie touched the lives of those around her with her strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit. Despite facing the challenges of her illness, she remained a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness and compassion will be cherished by all who had the privilege of sharing in her journey. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her strength will continue to inspire future generations. She is now in eternal peace and pain-free. Jackie was known for being a phenomenal cook. She spent her career as a dedicated cook at The Huddle House and Johnny B's for many years, where she was recognized for her exceptional culinary skills. She definitely could bake a pineapple upside-down cake like no other. She enjoyed family gatherings with her siblings and sitting outdoors with her Courtyard family.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Gladys Bullard, Johnny Echols, Judy Albritton, and George Echols, her grandson, Vince McElveen, and her daughters, Vanessa and Susie Helms.

Jackie Helms is survived by her children, Kathy McElveen, Terese McGhee (Tony), and Jerry, Sandifer (Lori), Ray Helms (Kaly), her grandchildren, Brooklyn Lawrence, Kenzie Tate, Tori Sandifer, Timothy and Janessa McGhee, Johnathan Sandifer, Madelyn, and Brennan Helms, and six great-grandchildren. During the Union of the late Ray Helms Jr, she gained children, Roxanne McIntire, Cynthia McCluskey, and Monica Coke (Larry) with a host of grand and great-grandchildren. Also surviving her are her siblings, Barbara Potts, Wayne Echols, Deborah Hodges, James Calvin (Shine) Echols (Brenda), Sandra Cummings (Terry), Donna Taylor (Colby), Steven Echols (Donna Kay), and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Courtyard Nursing Facility and staff for the care of her during her stay, and Washington Regional Hospice for the outstanding care given during her last days.

To honor Jackie's memory, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society
online at www.cancer.org to continue the fight against cancer.