Helen Emaline Goforth Cox, 90, affectionately known as Gran, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024 at Lauderdale Christian Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family and devoted caretakers. Helen was the last surviving member of her family. Helen was born on September 17, 1934 in Lenoir, NC to the late George Marcus and Nell Myers Goforth. She attended the University of North Carolina and Queens College in Charlotte, NC. She lived in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida, Louisiana and Alabama. She was an active member of any community she lived in. When her five children were young, she was a leader in Girl Scouts and 4-H. She also volunteered at their schools. After her children were grown, she learned more about art by taking lessons locally. She continued her artistic talents by becoming a stained- glass artist and designer. Her creations can be seen in churches, homes, restaurants and businesses around Florida. She even had a design sent to Germany. Helen had many occupations including working in the school system in Lake County, Florida, an Artist, Tupperware salesperson and Walmart cashier. She excelled in all of these jobs because of her bright and fun personality. But a favorite way to spend her time was creating crafts, many times they were made from recycled items. After she moved to the Shoals, she became involved with Hospice making tray favors for patients. She was very active in the Lauderdale County Extension Homemaker club and helped keep it going as the members began to age. Helen also enjoyed traveling whether to see family or tour the country with her sister, Caroline. Their travels included the western U.S. and Alaska. She also visited her son in Hawaii! She always created a scrapbook of her adventures. While she lived in the Gresham Hills Community, Florence, AL she enjoyed decorating the office for each season. She also loved to do puzzles with her friends and many times went into the night to finish a puzzle. She also loved to knit. She made caps for the homeless community and prayer shawls for those in need. Wherever Gran lived she always had plants, a garden and fed the birds. Her love of birds and flowers came from her mother and her aunts. She has shared her love of birds and flowers with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Helen has 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. They were the joy of her life. She visited her children and was excited to spend time with the families. She did craft projects with them and tried to teach them to knit and paint. They also had fun doing puzzles and playing games together. Gran is survived by her children, Lelia Wissert (Tom) Florence, AL, Mary Baldwin (William) Iuka, MS, Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Barnes (Matt) Lizella, GA, Asa Cox (Becky) Pensacola, FL, George Cox (Dorrie) Hanahan, SC. Grandchildren, Kate Cole (Shea) Northport, AL, Lauren Bullis (Kirk) Hoover, AL, Mark Baldwin (Katye) Columbus, MS, Emma Baldwin, Birmingham, AL, Bill Barnes (Rebecca) Byron, GA, Becky Forsythe (Andrew) Lizella, GA, Bryan Barnes (Mady) Livingston, MT, Rachel Pfeffer (James), Hopkins, SC, Nathan Cox (Ashlea), Columbia, SC, Daniel Cox, Birmingham, AL, Andy Cox, Pensacola, FL, Matthew Cox (Bethany) Pensacola, FL, Michael Cox (Ashley) Pueblo, CO, Alex Cox, Pensacola, FL. Great grandchildren, Judson Cole, Lydia Cole, Brendan Cole, Abigail Cole, Nell Bullis, Harper Bullis, Jude Bullis, Hope Bullis, Faith Bullis, Kenlee Baldwin, Liam Barnes, Clay Barnes, Catie Beth Forsythe, Emmie Forsythe, Paisley Barnes, Sage Barnes. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday December 14, 2024. The visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with Celebration Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Methodist Church, 221N Court Street, Florence, AL. The service will be led by grandson, Pastor Bill Barnes and grandson in law, Pastor Kirkwood Bullis. Memorials can be made to your favorite charity
