Helen Tarver

Gladys "Helen" Tarver, 75, passed away surrounded by family on March 24, 2025. She was born on July 28, 1949 to Raymond and Gladys Lankford in Wagarville, Alabama where she remained a lifelong resident. As the eldest girl of seventeen siblings, she developed a profound sense of family and was considered the matriarch of her entire family.

Helen graduated from Leroy High School in 1967. On February 27, 1969, she married her late husband, Robert Henry Tarver. Her family was the most important thing in her life. Helen and Robert had three children: Andy Tarver, Jennifer (George) Skipper, and John (Tracy) Tarver. There was nothing that she loved more than spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Watching them grow was one of the greatest joys of her life.

One of her many knacks was gardening. During the spring and summer, you could find her gardening in her yard or sitting on her porch enjoying her blooming flowers while sipping her coffee with her best friend, Nancy. "Hydrangulas," as she called them, were her absolute favorite.

She had a talent for interior design. If the TV was on at her house, then HGTV was playing. Helen was also known for her love of blue and white pottery and china. If there is a HomeGoods in Heaven, she is there with a buggy full of blue and white.

Helen was a skilled, self-taught seamstress. She loved to sew, embroider, and make quilted baby blankets. Everything she created was made with love. Helen was also a fan of Alabama softball and loved to play the game herself.

The next time you sip a good cup of coffee, smell a blooming flower, or walk down an aisle of a HomeGoods, that's when she would want you to take a moment to remember her.

Helen is survived by her children, Andy Tarver, Jennifer (George) Skipper, and John (Tracy) Tarver; her grandchildren George (Emma) Skipper, Lawson Skipper, Meagan (Kipp) Hoven, Brittany Tarver, Jonathan Tarver, and Elizabeth Franklin; as well as eight beloved great-grandchildren; brothers Perry (Trish) Lankford, Phil (Debbie) Lankford, Chris Lankford, and Derek (Deanna) Lankford; sisters Vickey (Tony) Cooper, Cathy (Randy) Harrell, Katie Pledger, and Polly (Timmy) Bozeman; sister-in-law Katrina Lankford, and sister-in-law and best friend Nancy Tarver.

Helen preceded in death by her husband Robert Henry Tarver; parents Raymond C. Lankford and Gladys P. Lankford; her brothers Ray Lankford, Jerry Lankford, Mickey Lankford, Randy Lankford, Timmy Lankford, and Mark Lankford; sisters Sue Keith and Leigh Lankford; and brother-in-law Otis Tarver Jr.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Lathan Funeral Home, Jackson with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m. with Bro. Glen Sullivan and Bro. Tim Sullivan officiating. Interment to follow in Clearwater Assembly of God Cemetery in Wagarville.

Pallbearers are George Skipper, Lawson Skipper, Jonathan Tarver, Tony Tarver, Keith Tarver, and Timmy Wayne Lankford.

While flowers are welcome, in lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to Victory Grove Church, P.O. Box 303, Wagarville, AL, 36585.