Helena Ruth Gamble

Helena Ruth (Taylor) Gamble, affectionately known as Lulu, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, at the age of 74. She was surrounded by her loving family in Arizona. Born on August 14, 1951, to Anna Ruth Taylor, Helena grew up in Elizabethton, Tennessee, and graduated from Elizabethton High School, Class of 1969, where she was fondly known as “Lulu.” She later continued her education in Columbus, Ohio, earning a degree in Social Work—a reflection of her lifelong compassion for helping others. Helena retired from Franklin County Job and Family Services. Helena was a devoted mother to her beloved daughter, Jacqueline “Jackie”, her pride and joy. Through Jackie, Helena was blessed with two grandchildren, Terrence Bridges and Helena Watkins, who affectionately called her Nanas. She often said that becoming a grandmother changed her life for the better, and her family felt that love in every hug, every laugh, and every word of encouragement she gave. In 2021, Helena was overjoyed to become a great-grandmother—her granddaughter and namesake Helena welcomed twins Brailon and Braiden Watkins, followed later that year by Terrence’s son Marcel Bridges, and in 2023, Huntyr, completing what she fondly called “Nana’s Boys.” Helena was preceded in death by her grandmother Annus Cunningham; her mother Anna Ruth Taylor; her aunt Virginia Cunningham; and her brothers Terry Lee Taylor and Eugene Taylor. She is also predeceased by her dear cousin Debbie Susong, who shared a special bond with her. She is survived by her devoted daughter Jackie, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her best friend since childhood Roxanna Bowers of Bowie, Maryland, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends across the Carolinas, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Texas, California, and Arizona—each of whom will forever cherish her love and light. To many, she was known by many affectionate names: Ms. Helena, Grandma Helena, Mama Get Down, Sista-Girl, Lu Lu, Nanas, Aunty, Skk, or Daisy. The daisy—a symbol of new beginnings, purity, joy, and cheerfulness—beautifully reflects her spirit. Helena has now been received by our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ. Her love, laughter, and grace will continue to blossom in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her special friends and family in Ohio, and by her God given California family, but her legacy of kindness and joy will live on forever.

Helena Ruth Gamble

August 14, 1951 - October 31, 2025