Helen Jean Cain

Helen Jean White Cain, 82, is away from the body and at home with the Lord. She transitioned to her heavenly home on July 13, 2017 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Her impact on this earth will echo throughout eternity. She led her husband and children to the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and established a legacy that will sustain her family for the rest of their time on earth. Her first allegiance was to God, and then she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many people. She was a prayer warrior for her family. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16. Our comfort lies in the truth...."Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from now on." Revelation 14:13

Helen was born in her parents’ home on August 10, 1934, in Gadsden, Alabama, in the Hooks Lake Community. She was the oldest child of William Franklin White and Ethel Ruth McCoy White. She is survived by her three children: LTC (Ret) Randall Cain (Anne) of Huntsville, Cheryl Bellomy (Perry) of Scottsboro, and Carole Cain of Birmingham; grandchildren: Jason Guinn (Holly), Andrew Guinn, Daniel Guinn, Marisa Guinn Rosas (Kyle), Brett Bellomy, Michael Cain (Heather), David Cain, and Laura Cain Hyde (Josh); great-grandchildren: Cambria Rowell, Corbin Hyde, Ashlyn Hyde, Lucy Guinn, and Doc Guinn; brothers: Gary White of Tuscaloosa, and Tommy White of Gadsden; special cousins: Tran Boler, Savola Whorton, Patsy Yother, and Cathye Mayo; special friends: Jo Smith, Juanita Moore, Carolyn Woods, Nancy McHugh, and members of the Ruth Sunday School Class at James Memorial Baptist Church. Special thanks to caregivers Lisa Croft, and Regina White Andrews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of almost 48 years, Sergeant Major (Ret) William Gerald Cain, her parents, special sisters-in-law Susanna White and Charlotte White, as well as all her husband’s brothers (Louis, Frank, Bobby, David, and James) and sister (Mary).

She grew-up in an era where entertainment was the radio, milk came straight from the family cow, clothes were washed in a tub with a washboard, water came from a well or a spring, families grew gardens and canned vegetables, meat was for special meals, and the bathroom was outside. Her parents passed on to her strong values, family pride and unity, and her Christian faith. She was a 1954 graduate of Gadsden High School. As a young woman, she worked at First National Bank in Gadsden. As an Army wife, besides Alabama, she lived in Maryland, France, Germany, and South Carolina. She was a strong woman, often times performing the roles of father and mother as her husband performed his Army duties, including two tours of duty in Vietnam. For more than 67 years of her life she lived in the Hooks Lake Community where she was born. She was a faithful member of James Memorial Baptist Church from birth until her death, with the exception of her time living in other places as an Army wife. She also served the church in many ways. As a young girl she would play a portable organ for baptisms at Fitts Ferry and play the piano for services. As an adult, she served as financial secretary (5 years) and church secretary (15 years), played the piano, sang in the choir, and held many other roles. Her Christian brothers and sisters at James Memorial were her extended family, and their love and support where a constant source of inspiration. An avid Roy Rogers fan, she was known for always wishing everyone, “happy trails!”

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 AM Monday July 17, 2017 at James Memorial and the service will begin at 11 AM. Reverends James Sampley and Vince Wittington officiating. Interment will be in Crestwood Cemetery. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Service’s is directing. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Honorary pallbearers are: Tom White, Sam Ashley, Steve Snyder, Gerald Smith, Joe Hall, Donny Hunter, Jonathan Smith, Bob Madaris, Pat Sherrill, and Bob Lowery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to James Memorial Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.