Helen Claire Carroll

She was a joyous woman of prayer with a winsome spirit and a winning smile that attracted people to her. Many would share their troubles, and she was ready to pray with them. It didn't matter the venue. It could be a busy grocery store isle, a post office, anywhere there was a heartache or someone who needed the love of Christ, she was there to encourage or pray.

Born in Birmingham, Ala., she graduated from Woodlawn High School, class of 1965, and attended Alverson Draughon Business College. She worked for a number of financial services firms before going to work as membership secretary at Briarwood Presbyterian Church (PCA), and later as communications director. While at Briarwood, she worked closely with the American Red Cross coordinating blood drives at the church.

Later, in Montgomery, she would work as a donor recruiter for the American Red Cross. For 17 years she conducted blood drives across central Alabama. Her goal was always to save as many lives as possible, so that they might hear the gospel and turn to Jesus.

She loved many things: her family, her dog and cats, her horse Reagan, Alabama football - She loved Carroll Family Adventures. Those adventures could include anything from a fun camping trip to a car breakdown in the rain on the side of the road. And she loved her church, Trinity Presbyterian (PCA), but above all else, she loved Jesus.

Her favorite Bible verse was Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans / have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmond Frank Hinds and Sue Price Hinds, her brother, Edmond Frank Hinds, Jr. (she called him Buddy) and her son, Mark Philip Grill.

She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Walter "Huck" Carroll, her loving daughter, Hallie Catherine Carroll, her daughter-in-law, Dana Grill, and granddaughter, Logan Ann Grill.

As Paul wrote in his last letter to Timothy, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith." That was Helen Carroll from start to finish.