Helen Gamwell
1948 - 2025

Helen Bernice Mullens Cotton Gamwell passed away peacefully on December 17th. She was born on February 12, 1948 in Oceana, West Virginia to Reverend O. P. and Freeda June Cook Mullens.

She moved with her parents during her early teenage years to Cocoa Beach, Florida, where she spent her formative years. At the young age of 17, Helen met and married her first husband, Henry Lee Cotton. At the age of 18, the couple relocated to Americus, Georgia, where Helen would begin the next chapter of her life and establish deep roots within the community.

In 1979, she relocated to Wakulla County, Florida from Americus, Georgia, where she would build a life rooted in faith, service, and love for others. Helen was a beloved servant of God, devoted family member, and treasured friend whose life touched countless hearts.

Helen retired from the State of Florida after 22 years of dedicated, faithful service. The final 12 years of her career were spent serving as the Deputy Director of Vital Statistics for Wakulla County, Florida, where she was known for her professionalism, compassion, and commitment to the community.

A woman of deep faith, Helen loved God and her family above all else. She possessed a true heart of gold and was always willing to help anyone in need, never turning away those who sought her kindness.

Helen was a master seamstress, gifted with the ability to sew just about anything. Quilting was her favorite hobby, and through the years she created many beautiful quilts, each one a reflection of her creativity, patience, and love. She also had a profound love for gospel music and was a devoted member of The Heart Seekers, a passionate gospel group through which she joyfully praised God.

She found joy in simple pleasures, especially Saturday yard sales shared with her brother and sister—times filled with laughter, fellowship, and cherished memories.

Helen is survived by her daughter Tammy (James) Corley of Carrabelle, FL; brother, Glen (Carolyn) Mullens of Crawfordville, FL; sisters Kathy Holt of Tallahassee, FL, and Wanda McRoberts of Cleveland, OH; four grandchildren, Anthony (Michelle) Jones of Athens, GA, Justin (Destiny) McCalvin of Sopchoppy, FL, Mary Ellen Conlin of Hinesville, GA, and Buck (Kimberly) Corley of Crawfordville, FL; eight great-grandchildren, Bryson, Bryce, Addie, Chance, Jack, Justin Jr., Toby and Aurora. She was preceded in death by her parents Reverend O. P. and Freeda Cook Mullens; 2 husbands, Henry Lee Cotton, Sr. of 31 years and John Moore Gamwell of 25 years; her son, Henry Lee Cotton, Jr.; a great granddaughter Kenzlee Grace McCalvin; brothers, Roger VanOver and Paul Mullens; and a sister Shelia Wright. Graveside services will be will be held on Saturday, December 27th at 11:00 a.m., at White Church Cemetery in Woodville, FL (1900 Lawhorn Road), with Pastor Kevin Mullens officiating.  Arrangements are being handled by Grace Funeral & Cremation Services (2758 Coastal Highway; Crawfordville, FL) 850-926-4407

Helen's legacy is one of faith, service, generosity, and love. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, but her spirit will live on in the many lives she touched.

Graveside Funeral Services will be 11 AM, SATURDAY, December 27, 2025
@ White Church Cemetery (1900 Lawhon Road, Tallahassee, FL 32305)

At The Request of the FAMILY there will be
****ABSOLUTELY NO PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEOS WILL BE ALLOWED****

Resolutions and other correspondence may be sent to: contactus@gracefcs.com
All attendees are encouraged to follow COVID -19 social distancing guidelines.