Helon Shell Brantley, 90, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 9, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Jay Brantley, her brothers, B.B. and Phil Shell, and her sister Frances Keas.

Helon was born September 4, 1926, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Maggie Lee Beam and Byron Baker Shell. She lived most of her life in Montgomery before moving to Columbus, Georgia, where she lived for the last 8 years. In Montgomery, she attended Sidney Lanier High School, and she was retired from Montgomery Baptist Medical Center, where she worked for many years as a unit clerk.

As the matriarch of 5 generations, Helon leaves behind her son, Clarence Lebron 'Lee' Brantley (Belinda); 2 granddaughters, Kim Ence (Kendall) and Lisa Appleton (Chris); 6 great granddaughters, Belinda, Sierra, Baylee, Sadie, Mallory, and Brantley; 2 great great granddaughters, Aubreigh and Shaylie, and one great great grandson, Oliver. She enjoyed watching her family grow.

Helon loved working in her yard and growing flowers. She was a big fan of the Atlanta Braves and would spend most summer evenings watching them play.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 20, at Leak Memory Chapel from 11:30 a.m to 1:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Way or American Red Cross.

Published in the Montgomery Advertiser on July 18, 2017