Norma DeAlvor "Dee" Helms Grace

Norma DeAlvor “Dee” (Helms) Grace, of Poland, Ohio, left this world on May 29, 2026, to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the remarkable age of 102. She was born on January 28, 1924, in Cherokee County, Alabama to Marvin Nash Helms and Callie Bell (Smith) Helms. Dee lived a beautifully long and full life rooted in faith, grace, and prayer. She was a cherished wife, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. For a little over a century, she had the privilege of witnessing history unfold, but her anchor always remained firmly in her faith in Christ. As the spiritual matriarch of her family, she taught her children and grandchildren to love and serve the Lord and others.

Dee spent her childhood in Cherokee County, Alabama where she graduated from Cherokee County High School. As a teenager, she was an active member of the Baptist Church, where she assisted her father with music, participated in traveling music schools, and attended regional singing conventions.

On July 22, 1944, she married the love of her life, William A. (W.A.) Grace, Jr. Two years later they began their family with their first three children: Brenda, Regenia, and Quinton. In 1951, the family moved to Louisiana, where they welcomed and raised their youngest three children: Charlotte, Gerald, and Shelia. There, they became deeply involved members of the Assembly of God church. It was not uncommon to see Dee teaching Sunday School, leading children’s church, or helping with Christmas programs, church dinners, and countless other activities. She rarely missed a service or an opportunity to serve. Her quiet wisdom and steady faith were an inspiration to all who knew her, and her life was a vibrant reflection of God’s goodness and faithfulness across generations.

Dee’s love for music remained prevalent in both her church and everyday life. She passed this passion on to her children, nurturing and helping them form a family gospel band, The Grace Family Singers. The family traveled throughout the Ark-La-Tex, performing at numerous churches and events with Dee and W.A. always there to support them. Although some of the children eventually moved on from performing, Quinton and Shelia kept that musical legacy alive. Ultimately, the family’s deep love for music was never lost; it was just expressed in other ways.

After living in Louisiana, for 66 years, Dee made a big change and moved to Poland, Ohio to be closer to two of her daughters, Charlotte and Shelia. Here she made many new friends, who were quickly charmed by her strong wit, spirited personality, and unmistakable southern accent.

Dee was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, William A. Grace, Jr.; her son, James Quinton Grace and daughter-in-law, Ann (Cockerham) Grace Cunningham; her grandson, Brian James Cundiff; three brothers, Frank Helms, Joe Helms, and Billy Helms; and her parents and grandparents who we know are excited to welcome her home.

Left to cherish her memories are her five children Brenda (Leon) Williamson, Regenia (Milton) Gamble, Charlotte (Walt) Kowalcyk, Gerald (Stacy) Grace, and Shelia (Richard) Kidd, one sister, Jeanette (Charles) Taul, five grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitors will be received at Rose-Neath Southside Chapel, 2500 Southside Dr. in Shreveport, Louisiana on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. followed by a celebration of her life at 12:00 p.m. Officiants will be Pastor David Logan and Pastor Richard Kidd. Interment will follow at Forest Park West. Pallbearers will be Joshua Gamble, Justin Grace, Hutch Grace, Scott Grace, Tim Grace, and Scott Williford.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful nurses and staff at Shepherd of the Valley Skilled Nursing in Poland, Ohio and Akeso Homecare and Hospice for the love and care they provided for Dee. To honor her memory, please consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association or the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.