Thursday, February 6, 2025
Margaret “Peggy” Anne Helm passed away Friday morning, Jan. 24, 2025.
A Celebration of Life memorial service was at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at First Methodist Church of Azle, 200 Church St. in Azle, with Pastor Ray Gilman officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Memorial Park, under the direction of Greenwood Funeral Home.
Pallbearers included Kyle Fonville, John Ford, Jaxon Helm, Duck Taylor, Kent Meyerhoeffer, Steve Parker, Todd Smith and Jack Stevens. Honorary pallbearers included the members of the Breakfast Club Sunday School Class.
The family would like to thank Pastor Ray Gilman, retired Pastor Dr. Dean Posey and the staff of Greenwood Funeral Home, led by Mr. Tim Brown.
For those desiring, the family has suggested a donation to First Methodist Church of Azle, Texas Health Hospital Azle or the 2024-2025 Tarrant County Heart Ball in lieu of flowers.
Peggy walked through her 73 years with humility, courage and a deep-rooted faith in Jesus that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She never met a stranger or missed an opportunity to share God’s peace and love with a beautiful smile and a thankful heart.
As a devoted wife, wonderful mother and cherished Nana, she was a gentle, loving presence in her family’s life — enjoying every adventure, trip and time together. She offered constant encouragement and support, never missing a sporting event, program or award ceremony for her kids and grandkids. Peggy’s servant heart extended to her community and church, where she was always thinking of others and leading by example. Her selflessness and dedication left an impact on her family, friends and community that will be treasured.
Peggy was born to the late Charles Hermon Cole Jr. and Margaret Buttrill Cole, at Hillcrest in Waco May 27, 1951. She graduated from McGregor High School in 1969 and moved to Fort Worth to pursue her education. Peggy earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Texas Wesleyan University in 1973, where she served as president of the Student Education Association and vice president of Gamma Sigma Sigma, a national service sorority. After moving to Azle, Peggy began her teaching career, and on July 12, 1975, married the love of her life, Derrell. Together, they became active members of the First United Methodist Church of Azle, where they began their life and family.
Peggy taught elementary school in Azle from 1973 to 2012. Upon retirement, she joined the Azle Tri-County Retired School Employees Association and served a term as vice president. She was an active member at church, devoting hours of love and service to missions and ministry. From leading mission trips and decades of VBS classes, to supporting Operation Christmas Child and serving on numerous committees, she embraced opportunities to serve with love.
Peggy was a passionate community volunteer; she served as president of the Texas Health Azle Hospital Auxiliary board and managed the hospital gift shop since 2022. She had a servant’s heart, devoting time and resources to Texas Health Resources, Azle ISD, the Azle Memorial Library Foundation and serving on many host committees benefiting organizations within our community and beyond. She was a member of Eta Alpha Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, a service sorority, where she has served as president and every officer position during the last 42 years. Peggy was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Derrell Helm; son, Brian Helm and wife, Shelby; daughters, Lisa Helm and Kimberly Carter and husband, Josh; five grandchildren, McKenzi and Kylie Carter, and Lily, Jaxon and Jordyn Helm; sister, Sandra Griffin and husband, Ken of Boerne; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nancy and James Bell of Kennedale; and several cousins, nephews and many wonderful friends.
