Roe Helen LaSane Gaiter, beloved daughter of the late Ethel Jane Lofton and Moses LaSane, was born in Albany, Georgia on September 1, 1941.  Throughout the early years of her life, she was nurtured and cared for by her mother and loving stepfather, the late John Henry Lofton.

She was educated in the Dougherty County School System, graduating from Monroe High School in 1960.  While at Monroe, Roe Helen demonstrated exceptional potential while developing a deep passion for the arts, literature, and fashion which followed her into adulthood.  Hailing from a family that valued higher education, she continued her quest for knowledge at Albany State College where she earned a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in French. A life-long learner with a zeal for enlightenment and instruction, Roe Helen matriculated at Georgia Southwestern University and completed degree requirements for the Master of Arts in Education.

Roe Helen had the great privilege of growing up in a strong Christian home where the foundation for her walk with the Lord was laid.  As a youth, she accepted Christ as her Savior; was baptized at Second Mt. Olive Baptist Church; and began her journey of Christian stewardship at Union Missionary Baptist Church where she received the "right hand of fellowship" into the body of Christ.  From that point forward, she devoted herself faithfully to God's purpose and His calling on her life.  Roe Helen's unfaltering journey brought multiple levels of service in various capacities and ministries, including member of the #2 Choir, Nurses Aide, Pastor's Aide, Women's Ministry, General Mission,   Deaconess, and a dedicated student in Sunday School and Bible Study.  She was a prayer warrior who communed daily with the Lord, who knew without a doubt that prayer changes things, and who was instrumental in reimplementing the church's Noon-day Prayer Ministry.  An altruistic organizer, she also coordinated the Summer Reading and Enrichment Programs.  Through the years, she inspired many to go forth in the Lord.  You could not know her without being inspired by her unfaltering devotion to her church; and her strong faith and convictions that allowed her to be an example for her family, friends, church family, and all who encountered her.

Having been totally captivated by Airman Nathaniel Gaiter, Jr., a courtship ensued which resulted in Roe Helen being joined in holy matrimony to the love of her life.  Together, they embarked on a 60-year adventure of a lifetime filled with love, respect, and commitment to each other.  Their union was blessed with six wonderful children, Cookie,   Valerie, Audrey, Virgil, Natalie, and Nat.   Through the years, she proved to be a true anchor and helpmate to her husband and a strong tower for her children.  Roe Helen was steadfast in her dedication to foster a Christian home filled with love and strong family values.  As a wife and mother, she ate not the bread of idleness and always sacrificed her needs for the good of her family.  Daily, she offered much time and attention to their lives.  Whether needing  advice, a listening ear, or casual conversation, they knew that Helen/Mama was always available to hear them out—she was truly a blessing.

Roe Helen always had a love for children and was blessed to have had a profound professional career that spanned more than 30 years.  As a high school English teacher, she was relentless in guiding and inspiring students at both Monroe and Albany High Schools.  She was an exceptional teacher who was gifted in the art of delivering knowledge to a huge variety of students in individually, custom-wrapped methods that worked for each divergent personality.  Every mind was important to her and she searched for just the right keys to open that mind; and when she found those keys, she used them effectively to make learning exciting and pleasurable for each student.  Mrs. Gaiter fervently  sought to guide students toward a special understanding of how much life could be contained in written words and she worked hard at teaching them how to make their own words be filled full of that life.  She had a delivery that was both gentle and powerful at the same time.  Her command of the classroom and control of every student's attention span was what the highest level of teaching excellence looked like!  As a result, she received numerous awards and accolades, including the esteemed title of Teacher of the Year and a Dougherty County Teacher of the Year  Finalist.  Yes, she was truly a teacher among teachers—a counselor, a mentor, a guide, an inspiration, and a friend!

While Roe Helen never sought to make a name for herself, her remarkable reputation ensured that she was always recognized and respected wherever she went.  Anyone who knew her would agree that she was extremely straight-forward and strong-willed; but she was also the voice of calm, comfort and humility.  She had a kind heart, a very  generous spirit, and took great pride in using her God-given talents to help others.  The words penned by the songwriter, "If I can help somebody as I travel along….then my living shall not be in vain," truly exemplifies her life.  To the hungry, she offered food; to the sick, she offered compassion; to the broken hearted, she offered consolation, and to the lost, she offered hope and guidance.  Roe Helen had a way of looking into your soul and knowing just what you would need to make you grow.  Having the privilege of being loved by her was to know you would be loved for a lifetime.  Life was precious to her and she genuinely cherished every moment spent here on earth.

Blessed beyond measure, Roe Helen lived a rich and rewarding life; reached the hallowed age of 83; and lived to see generations of her off-springs with whom she left a legacy of love, humility, generosity, and godliness that will forever be cherished.  Her life was filled with many interesting experiences combine with civic and community engagement.  She was a member of the NAACP, ASU Alumni Association, and the Dougherty County Retired Teacher's Association.  In her leisure she enjoyed reading, drama and theater, cultivating flowers and plans, cooking, and all music  genres.  She was also a traveler and cherished the trips taken to spend time with her children and grandchildren in Alabama, North Carolina, Maryland, and areas in Georgia. She was a genuinely good person and the best mother, grandmother, and great grandmother anyone could ever hope for.

On November  24, 2024, Roe Helen faced the sunset of her earthly season and entered eternal rest with her Savior.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death her beloved husband, Nathaniel Gaiter, Jr.; her daughter, D'Andrea Gaiter Lee; grandparents; and in-laws.

Cherished memories will forever remain with her loving children, Valerie (Van) Quarles of Waldorf, MD, Audrey (Joseph) Ketchup of Savannah, GA, Virgil (Kelly Leong) Gaiter of Glen Burnie, MD, Natalie (Kelsey) Dix of Lilburn, GA, and Leinahtan (Ebony) Gaiter of Clayton, NC; son-in-law, Timothy Lee of Huntsville, AL; a myriad of grandchildren and great grandchildren; two devoted cousins, Willie B. (Carlene) Corbett, Jr. and Doris Carey; four special family friends/sisters, Gwen Crawford, Judy Thomas, Millicent Paul, and Kathryn Sancho; in-laws, Herbert (Gloria) Gaiter of Homestead, FL; and a host of  nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.