Helen Marie Hedgepeth

Helen Marie Hedgepeth Helen Marie Hedgepeth, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished matriarch, was called home to eternal rest on September 21, 2026, at the age of 83. She was born on December 18, 1942, in Wetumpka, Alabama, to the late Joseph and Ida Peake. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Joe Billy Peake. Helen was a woman of tremendous love, strength, wisdom, and resilience. On July 31, 1960, she married the love of her life, Wallace Hedgepeth Jr. Together, they built a life centered around love, family, and devotion until his passing. Their union was blessed with five children: Willena Faye (Fred) Bell of Buffalo, NY; Steve (Felicia) Hedgepeth of Buffalo, NY; Joann (Paul) Rhines of Buffalo, NY Wallace Hedgepeth III of Atlanta, GA; and Tanya Hedgepeth of Brandywine, MD. Helen dedicated many years of her life to educating and nurturing children as a teacher aide with Buffalo Public Schools. Teaching was more than a career to Helen; caring for and guiding others was simply a part of who she was. She had a natural way of making people feel cared for, supported, and loved. Even after retirement, she continued to give that same love, wisdom, and guidance to her family. Helen found happiness in the simple things in life. She loved to cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family, often showing her love through the food she made. She also loved gardening and took joy in watching things grow and tending to her plants. These quiet moments brought her happiness and reflected the nurturing spirit she carried throughout her life. But more than anything, Helen loved her family. She was the heart of the Hedgepeth family the one whose love, wisdom, strength, and presence helped hold everyone together. She was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love reached across generations. She leaves behind her 11 grandchildren: Casey Swain, Colby Swain, Brittany Hedgepeth, Briana Hedgepeth, Ryan Hedgepeth, Cornell Hedgepeth, Latoya Rhines, Kandis Rhines, Marquis Rhines, Wallace Hedgepeth IV, and LaMya Hedgepeth, along with 21 great-grandchildren. Each of them carries a piece of granny with them. The lessons she taught, the words she shared, the love she gave, and the memories they made together. Her grandchildren will forever remember her strength, her wisdom, her laughter, her guidance, and the special ways she showed them that they were loved. Helen also had a special place in her heart for Chase, her beloved dog and faithful companion. He was a cherished part of Helen’s everyday life who brought her comfort, companionship, and joy. Their bond was a beautiful reminder of the love and tenderness Helen had to give. Though Helen is no longer physically with us, the love she poured into her family and friends will never leave. She lives on in her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and in every person whose life she touched. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude. Your kindness, prayers, and presence mean more than words can express as we come together to honor, remember, and celebrate the beautiful life of Helen Marie Hedgepeth.