Freddie Ann Traffanstedt Helms, 83, of Collinsville, Alabama, passed away on September 24, 2026. She was born on August 28, 1943, to Fred and Christine Traffanstedt and spent most of her life in Collinsville, a community she was proud to call home.
Knowing Freddie meant knowing kindness. She truly loved people and had a way of making everyone feel welcome and cared for. She never had an unkind word for anyone and always seemed to find the good in people. She treated others with patience, grace, and compassion, not because she felt she had to, but simply because that was who she was.
Above all else, Freddie loved her family. She shared 35 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Gwendolyn “GD” Helms. Freddie and GD built a life together filled with love, family, and many wonderful memories. Even after GD’s passing, the love they shared and the memories of their years together remained an important part of Freddie’s life. The family they created was their greatest blessing and a lasting reflection of the love they shared.
Freddie worked for TDS for more than 45 years, beginning as a telephone operator and eventually becoming manager of the Crossville branch. Her years at TDS were an important part of her life, and in many ways, her work was an extension of who she was. She loved what she did, but even more, she loved the people. The relationships and friendships she formed over those years meant so much to her. Many of the people she met through TDS became much more than coworkers or customers—they became treasured friends.
Freddie was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Christine Traffanstedt; her brother, Johnny Traffanstedt; and her loving husband of 35 years, Gwendolyn “GD” Helms.
She is survived by her son, Teddy Helms; grandsons, Bradlee Helms and his children Cayson and Kyler and Colby Helms and his children Braxtyn Helms, Maesyn Helms, and Scotlyn Helms; brother, Jerry Traffanstedt; sister, Jane Traffanstedt Simpson (Tommy); sister-in-law Sandy Traffanstedt; and host of nieces and nephews.
Freddie loved being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and there was nothing she treasured more than her family. She was always interested in what was happening in their lives, proud of their accomplishments, and happiest when those she loved were together and doing well.
Freddie lived her life in a quiet and meaningful way. She did not need recognition or attention. She simply loved her family, worked hard, treated people well, and showed kindness wherever she went. In doing so, she left an example that her family will carry with them for years to come.
She will be deeply missed by those who loved her, but there is great comfort in the many years, memories, and moments they were blessed to share with her. Freddie leaves behind a family who knew how much she loved them and countless people who will remember her simply as a genuinely good and kind person.
Funeral services will be 5:30 p.m. Sunday, September 27, 2026 at Harvest Center (7824 Highway 68, Collinsville) with Bro. Don Brock and Bro. Thomas Wallace officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3:30 until the 5:30 hour of service at the church.
The family extends special thanks to the Gentiva Hospice Staff for their wonderful care and to the many friends that surrounded Freddie and the family during her illness.
Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Payne is in charge of arrangements.
