Helen Gail Roden

Born on September 11, 1946, Gail lived her life to the fullest for 74 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby “Ray” Roden; parents, Edward and Martha Williams; and sister, Tammy Elkins.

Gail is survived by two children, Angie (Rickey) Ramey and John Roden, in addition to her precious grandchildren, Andrew (Hannah) Roden; Caitlyn (Alex) Calderon; Baylee (Nick) Greene; Morgan Roden and step mother, Charlotte Griffin.

The light of her life was her great granddaughter, Raylee Thompson. Their “Nanny” was a loving, kind, generous lady. She had a servant’s heart and counted serving others as one of her greatest joys.

Gail leaves behind a brother, Ray (Pam) Griffin of Oklahoma; sister, Arnora (Stan) Kearns of Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Faye (William Whitehead; brother-in-law, Harold (Linda) Roden; Godchild, Kim Stewart; several cousins, many nieces and nephews, and a host of “chosen” brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She leaves behind her special companion and Fur Baby, Blonde “Bo” Jackson.

Gail graduated from Emma Sansom High School and attended Keevil-Curl Cosmetology School. She owned and operated her Beauty Shop for over 50 years. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She was an avid Auburn fan. She found joy in attending ballgames and other activities of her grandchildren.

She was a longtime member of James Memorial Baptist Church where she was known as “Aunt Gail” or “Nanny”. She never met a stranger and always gave hugs and said, “I love you”.

Pallbearers are Glenn Phillips, Matt Phillips, Keith Phillips, Jackie Gaylor, Colby Gaylor and Dalton Chambers.

The family would like to thank Southside Fire and Rescue, the Life-Flight team, UAB emergency room doctors and nurses, UAB Neurosurgery team, UAB NICU doctors and nurses. The family would also like to thank Dr. Jason Ayres, nurses and staff at Southside Medical Clinic for the loving care they gave her.

Funeral services and celebration of Gail’s life will be held Friday, April 30, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Collier-Butler Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. James Sampley will officiate the chapel service and Rev. David Jenkins will officiate the graveside service at Rainbow Memorial Gardens.

The family requests memorial gifts in Gail (Nanny) Roden’s memory be made to The American Red Cross Hero Care Center, (www.redcross.org/donate).

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the family.

Please follow the CDC guidelines for social distancing.