Obituary
Ora Nelle Burris Helbling, 80, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away peacefully December 17th, 2025 in her home, surrounded by family. She was born December 22, 1944 to Charles and Geneva Burris, who were both teachers. Ora Nelle followed in this profession, as a life-long teacher of students of all ages in a wide array of subjects including (to name a few): French, Spanish, English, English as a second language, mathematics and music. She was also a composer and writer of songs, with themes drawn from the Bible of love, harmony, and appreciation for others. Ora Nelle was a believer in Jesus Christ, and lived for the hope of His glory.
She is survived by her children Joel (and wife Sanghee) Helbling, Fidelle (and husband Ron) Hopper, Michael (and wife Maria) and Sarah (and husband Raymond) Somich, by her grandchildren Iris (ne. Isaac), Derek, Elijah, Henry, Colette, Brigitte, Caleb, Daniel, Eliana, Raymond Oliver, Rosette and Daisi, and by her sister Sarah Burris Martin. Ora Nelle was preceded in death by her two brothers, Charles and David, by her husband Daniel, and by her daughter Jo-Anna Helbling London Scott.
Ora Nelle was particularly effective as a personal tutor. She nurtured hope in the hearts of many a despondent pupil, and was consistently rewarded with delightedly accomplished students. She tutored her husband through a Masters in English, her children through math, languages and English composition, and once she tutored a friend through a scuba diving course. She had a gentle and dry wit, which was customary to her family. She loved travel and foreign cultures, beginning with travel during her youth to Mexico. Later, with her husband, Daniel, she visited and lived in many other places in the world, including Tunisia, Italy, Switzerland, France, Spain, Scotland, Canada and Korea. She learned to speak in many languages; French, Spanish, Arabic, and later in life, just for fun, she began studying Italian. She customarily assumed the diminutive name "Arnelle."
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