Graveside funeral services with military honors for Helen Alaniz will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at the Collins City Cemetery. Mrs. Alaniz was 81 years of age and passed away from this life on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at her residence in Byram. Reverend Brian Wilson will officiate.

Wade Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Helen Ruth Culpepper Alaniz was born on August 11, 2021, in Collins to Clarence and Maude Holloway Culpepper. She was a retired Staff Sergeant with the U.S. Army and loved the Lord. Her biggest role in life was grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father; 2 children, George Thurman and Chris Thurman; 1 grandson, Joe Thurman; and 3 brothers, E.C. Culpepper, William R. "Randolph" Culpepper, and Douglas Culpepper.

Survivors include 2 children, Elisa Acey (Stan) and Darryl Thurman (Sophia), both of Byram; 14 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.