Helen Gay Brown's Obituary
“Friday’s child is loving and giving….” Born on Friday, August 6th, 1937, that’s exactly who and what Helen Gay Brown was when she arrived in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was the second of three children born to Gordon and Celestine Holcomb. Gay, or “Lady Gay”, as she was sometimes known, moved with her family to Dallas at a young age and lived in the metroplex for the rest of her life. Gay met a handsome young man named Charles Brown while attending SMU and married him in the spring of 1960. Prior to her wedding, she converted to the Catholic faith and became a devoted follower of the Church. Gay and Charles wed, brought a daughter into the world, and bought a house on Gladwood Lane, where they would raise an astounding 12 children. Gay became “Mom” and then “Marma” to the children that she so graciously and devotedly loved. She imparted a passion for reading, music, dancing, cooking, and charitable giving to all of her kids, and she excelled at her chosen passions. Marma lived a life of faith, grace, compassion, wisdom, generosity, prayerfulness, and devotion to all her friends and family. She modeled southern hospitality and incredible strength while raising 12 special and upstanding citizens of the world: a true Steel Magnolia. She made every special occasion extra-special with her flair for cooking, sewing and baking. Everybody loved to eat “Grandma Cake”, but Marma loved baking it even more. Her love was in the details……in the countless meals cooked, loads washed, cakes baked, diapers changed, lullabies sung, books read, pep talks given, hugs shared, “sugars” gifted, presents wrapped, tears shed, and support shown. One of the things she excelled at as a mother was her ability to show unconditional love and support. She always listened, was proud of accomplishments big and small, was forever in your corner, quick to take your side, and accepting of it all. Marma rarely tried to give advice, but was extremely gracious when her children would freely, and without invitation, give theirs to her. This fiercely loving momma devoted her early years to raising a family and then courageously re-entered the work force in her late fifties. She then worked nearly 20 years as a highly valued administrative assistant in the oil and gas industry. Marma could do anything….and everything. During the last several years, after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, she lived in Plano at a memory care facility, and spent her final days at Bader House, where she was loved and cared for tenderly and generously by their staff. Gay was known by many names in her lifetime, including “Grandma” and “Grandma Dallas”, but at her core, she remained a “Friday’s Child”, loving and giving to all who were blessed to know her. She is survived by a brother and a sister, her 12 children, 15 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Her legacy of love and generosity will live on from generation to generation.Visitation for Ms. Helen Brown will take place on Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM in the Memorial Chapel.
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