Helen Mildred Stone, 90, passed away peacefully in her home in Odenville, AL on May 7, 2021 as “Amazing Grace” played quietly in the background. Born January 27, 1931 to the late Armer Lee Mims & William Elbert Armstrong, she grew up near Helena, AL, later moving to Leeds & marrying the love of her life, the late Graham “Buddy” Stone. She fulfilled her dreams of becoming a mother in 1958 to their daughter, her pride & joy, Lee Ann. In 1963, the family moved into their dream home on a farm in Odenville, where she would remain the rest of her well-lived life. After retiring from United Chair, she proudly became a full-time grandmother to her 3 “grands” that lived next door, who she thought hung the moon… then, beamed with even greater pride as she became a GREAT grandmother.
She was known only as “Grandmother” to friends of her grands & the phrase “I was practically raised at her house” has been repeated countless times as loved ones recall their fond memories of Helen. From the phenomenal meals she cooked from scratch, the annual family Christmas reunions she organized, her warm hugs & laughter, the way she made everyone feel like family, her words of wisdom & the gospel she shared, to every family tragedy & joyous occasion she was present for, always that constant source of love & strength… Her impact & legacy will live on forever. No doubt she heard those long-awaited words from her savior as He called her home, “Well done, my good & faithful servant”.
She is survived by her daughter, Lee Ann Stone Franklin (Scott Harry); “grands”, Nicki Mabe Goodwin (Jason), Brittany Mabe Bryant (Stephen), & Weslee Franklin (Rachel); “great-grands”, Preslee & Piper Goodwin, Mason & Mary Maddox Bryant, & Navy Franklin; plus, numerous nieces, nephews, & cousins. All immensely adored Helen, the matriarch of such a large, loving family, & the last Armstrong of her generation with 12 siblings preceding her in death: Preston, Olene, Buster, Velma, Jack, Junior, Lois, Charles, Ray, Bobbie Jean, Rolene, and Terry Wayne.
A special thanks to Jean Wrightsman, her dear friend & former colleague who nicknamed Helen “Maw” & became one of her main caretakers; her home health nurse/great niece, Misty Fisher Dummitt; Lakeside Hospice; as well as those that spent her last days surrounding her with the same love she had always given.
Visitation to be held Thursday, May 13th from 12–2 pm at Kilgroe Funeral Home in Leeds, AL Service will begin at 2 pm with Bro. Johnny Robertson officiating, followed by procession to graveside services at New Lebanon Baptist Church in Odenville where Helen had been a long-time member. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in honor of Helen Mildred Stone to either of the charities that were close to her heart, Down Syndrome of Alabama or American Heart Association of Birmingham.
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