Mrs. Helen Louise Crider Bearden, age 88, of Rocky Face, Georgia, peacefully departed this life on Wednesday afternoon, April 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Helen was born on July 9, 1937, in Walker County, Georgia, the eldest of eleven children born to Robert Nathan and Edna Christena Baily Crider. As the oldest, she set a strong and loving example for her siblings throughout her life.

A devoted Christian and faithful member of Lakeside Baptist Church, Helen lived her life as a quiet but powerful testament of faith, love, and service. She was a guiding light to her family and all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and the love of her life, James Edward Bearden, who passed away on November 27, 1999; her son, Michael A. “Mike” Bearden, who passed on January 31, 2018; her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, Robert N. and Mable Crider, Jr.; and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Edna Lou Crider, Dorothy Anne Crider, Clara Langston, Peggy and Larry Ball, Bobbi Jean and David Rittenhouse, Glenda and Michael Somers, and Cheryl and Jerry Suddeth.

Today, we take comfort in knowing she is joyfully reunited with her husband, son, and the many dear siblings who went before her.

Helen retired from Shaw Industries and found great joy in life’s simple blessings—especially tending her yard, feeding hummingbirds, and spending time outdoors, a season she loved dearly.

She was truly the matriarch of her family. Her life was centered around those she loved, and she gave of herself endlessly. She was not only a mother to her children, but a source of strength, wisdom, and care to her entire family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, independence, and faith that will continue through them.

She is survived by her son and daughters-in-law, James W. and Darlene Bearden of Dalton, Georgia, and Diane Bearden of Lafayette, Georgia; her cherished grandchildren, Heather and Jarred Fielden, Emily and Aaron Brown, and Ty and Savanna Bearden; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Sarah Fielden, Grayson Fielden, Esther Fielden, Lacie Bearden, Saylor Bearden, and Marley Brown.

She is also survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Martha and Lee Fowler of Summerville, Georgia, Nancy and James Teague of Chatsworth, Georgia, and Harold Langston of Lafayette, Georgia, along with several nieces and nephews who will remember her with love.

A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Helen Bearden will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Lakeside Baptist Church, with Reverend Scott Hobbs officiating. She will be laid to rest at Dunagan Cemetery in Rocky Face, Georgia, beside her beloved husband and son. Serving as pallbearers will be Ty Bearden, Aaron Brown, Jarred Fielden, Andy Hall, Jonah Hobbs, and Mark Rayburn.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel on Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and again on Sunday after 11:00 a.m. until 1:20 p.m. and at the church from 2:00 p.m. until the service hour at 3:00 p.m.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, Dalton, Georgia.