So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we live fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.& 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 NLT

Helen Smith Nelson Boyd was the eighth daughter born to Tommie Lee Smith and Lola Mae Smith on March 6, 1938 in Long County, Georgia. She departed this life to continue her journey with our Heavenly Father on February 6, 2023.

Helen graduated from Ludowici High School and was a dynamic basketball player (#25) during her years there. She learned work ethics and many important life lessons working on the family farm alongside her parents and siblings.

Helen worked a variety of jobs over her lifetime. She spent a number of years at Rogers Industrial Cleaners. She shared a local family store in Hinesville before relocating to Savannah, Georgia.

Helen entered into Holy Matrimony with the late Rufus Nelson. To this union they were blessed with three children: Queenie, Teresa and Matthew.
On January 7, 1993, Helen entered into Holy Matrimony with Clyde Marion Boyd, Sr., thus becoming a blended family with stepchildren: Harriette, Jeanette, Caroline, Clyde, Jr., Herbert Lee and Earnest Franklin.

Helen joined Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church on December 7, 1997. She and her late husband, Clyde, moved their membership to Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church (Clyde's childhood church) for a short period. Upon returning to Mount Zion, Helen and Clyde faithfully attended Sunday School. She actively served as Deaconess and on the Mothers' Board. She was also a member of the Golden Age Ministry. She loved her church family.
Helen enjoyed cooking and baking. She was well known for her collard greens, giblet gravy, sweet potato pies and her famous fruit cake. She loved the Atlanta Braves and was overjoyed for their 2021 World Series win.

Helen enjoyed helping others, giving of resources. She always made herself available to encourage, comfort and assist others when needed.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, eleven siblings, Rufus Nelson, Clyde M. Boyd, Sr., and stepdaughters (Jeanette and Harriette).

To cherish her memories, Helen leaves her children: Queenie Nelson-Erkins, Oak Ridge, TN, Jacqueline T. Nelson-Butler (Ronald), Rincon, GA, Rufus M. Nelson, Hinesville, GA; stepchildren: Caroline Boyd Christmas, Smyrna, GA, Clyde M. Boyd, Jr. (Susan), Allenhurst, GA, Herbert Lee Boyd (Jean), Midway, GA, Earnest F. Boyd (Joyce), Ludowici, GA; sister: Ida Mae Womack (Isaac), Woodbridge, VA; brother; Charles Smith, Hinesville, Ga;sister-in-law, Verdelle Boyd Davis, Ludowici, GA; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, spiritual children and friends.