Helen Wilson Caudle, surrounded by her loving family, passed away peacefully at home Friday afternoon, the twenty-first of July. A southern lady and Huntsville native, Helen embraced the richness of life through her cherished roles as wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend. The loving daughter of Kathleen and Jesse Wilson, Helen was born March 2, 1933. An avid reader and talented musician, excelling both at the piano and clarinet, knowledge and the discipline required to achieve it, made good sense to her. After graduating from Huntsville High School and Auburn University, Mrs. Caudle took her love of learning and headed back to the classroom, this time as a Blossomwood Elementary School teacher. Throughout her life, former students brought assurances of her impact and success by fondly reminiscing about the special times shared in her classroom. Whether doing research for “The Booklets,” or decorating pumpkins, students enjoyed their time learning with Mrs. Caudle.
A community advocate and leader, Mrs. Caudle served actively to enhance the world around her. As a member of the Grace Club Auxiliary, Junior League of Huntsville, Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild, Gothic Guild, Huntsville Museum of Art, Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Athena Book Club, The Study Circle, Alpha Delta Kappa, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, and the Les Joyeuses Club, Helen shared her myriad of GOD-given gifts selflessly.
Married sixty-one years to her one true love, Jim Caudle, they built a meaningful, and vibrant life together on Echols hill. Together, they raised three beloved sons, Jim (wife Tina), Chris (wife Jana), and Tim. Each choosing to stay in Huntsville and raise their own families, Helen and Jim were blessed with nine nearby grandchildren: Clint, Chad, Payton, James, Tim, Michelle, Lindy, Rachel, and Bennett. Helen is fondly remembered as the grandmother, who, in authentic, genteel, southern vernacular, often said, “I’d like a right-nice-size bite of white ice cream.” Helen, with Jim’s support, often graciously opened their warm and inviting home to benefit local charities, in support of political candidates, and, especially, for fellowship between friends and family.
Mrs. Caudle was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jesse Wilson. Other survivors include her brother, Robert Wilson (wife Gloria), of Huntsville, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In celebration of the life of Helen Wilson Caudle, her family will receive friends Tuesday, July 25th, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home between 11 and 1:30, with a memorial service to follow in the chapel.
The family of Helen Caudle would like to thank her caregivers Kathy Jones, Dorothy Robinson, Chrystal Holder, and Lori Stabler.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huntsville Botanical Gardens or Free2Teach.
