February 19th, 1922 – March 2nd, 2026

Helen Wallace Tarpley, 104 years old,of Muscle Shoals. Al, passed away March 2, 2026. Public viewing and visitation will be Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 9:30 until the 11:00 funeral hour at Williams Funeral Home. The service will be officiated by Rev. Leotha Ingram, III.

Mrs. Helen Wallace Tarpley was born in Tuscumbia, AL on February 19, 1922 to Bertha Ricks Wallace and Ulysses (Son) Wallace. Helen attended Leighton Training School and eventually graduated from Trenholm High School. She received her religious training at Cave Springs Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a member until her death. Helen was a trained beautician and small business owner in Memphis, TN for many years. She was an avid golfer and excellent cook. One of her favorite joys was cooking for her friends and great nieces and nephews. 

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Eldridge Tarpely; her parents, Bertha and Ulysses Wallace; sister, Thelma J. Harris; and nephew, John Harris, Jr.

Aunt Helen is survived by a devoted nephew and caregiver, Julius Harris; her niece Verdell H. Martin; great-nieces: Stephanie Harris, Shelly Harris, Shannon Craig, Kimberly Denton, and Nicole Harris; great-nephews: Kelvin Harris, Keith Martin, and Christopher Harris; a host of great-great nieces and nephews; a great-great-great niece and nephew: other close family: Willie Frank West and Eldra Tarpley; and cousins. Also remaining to celebrate her memory are her caregivers: Shanna Vandier and April Baker.