Willie Helton

1935 - 2026

ALPINE - Willie Helton, age 90, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. She retired from Lucky Star with 28 years of service. She enjoyed her Sunday School Class, baking cakes, cooking for her loved ones and community, also spending time with her family. She was a seamstress and a member of the Zion Hill Baptist Church.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 23, 2026, at Waters Funeral Home with Bro. Terry Faulkner and Bro. Kelvin Meeks officiating. Burial will be in Kirkville Cemetery.

Survivors include one daughter, Janice Prather (Roy) of Alpine, one son, Jimmy Helton of Alpine, two sisters, Linda Roberts of Tupelo, Janie Conway (Mike) of New Albany, two brothers, Mitchell Pannell of Baldwyn, Rickey Pannell (Brenda) of Greenwood, three grandchildren, Misty McMarthy (Matt), Dusty Prather (Lindsey), Jay Helton (Carole), three great-grandchildren, Carson McCarthy, Bella Helton, and Lydia Helton, special friend and caregiver, Susan Smith, and a host of other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Boyce Lee and Ovie Mae Pannell, husband, James E. Helton, 4 brothers, Marvin Pannell, Daniel Pannell, Norman Pannell, and Gene Pannell.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Helton, Dusty Prather, Matt McCarthy, Michael Williams, Jay Helton, and all of her nephews.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Waters Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watersfuneralservice.com.