Helon Julia Hawke

Helon would like to let you know that her work here is done. Helon worked hard in her life: born in Brewton, AL on May 6, 1928, Helen Julia Godwin was the 2nd of eight kids. Always a character, she changed her name to Helon (pronounced Hell-on) in elementary school because a teacher pronounced her name wrong (Hell-en). She married Wayne Gray in the 1940’s and had two beautiful daughters, Wanda Melson (Baker) and Brenda Shellborn (Ron). Helon worked for JC Penney’s for 43 years. One time in her early years at Penney’s she was working in the lingerie department when a shop lifter came running through. Wearing a dress, stockings and heels, she chased the shoplifter out the store and down Palafox St. A security guard came running after her and the shoplifter. She only fell once and skinned her knee but together she and the security guard caught the shoplifter and had him arrested. Helon loved shopping. Her closets full of clothes and shoes could attest to this. Whenever family came to visit, she was always trying to get them to take some of the items overflowing the closets. Everything still had the price tags on them but she would never return them. This was in sharp contrast to her frugal ways when Brenda and Wanda were growing up. Nobody could have more than half a piece of gum! One of Helon’s joys was being a greeter at church. She was there at church every Sunday at 7AM even when she did not feel like it. Her love of people showed with her grandchildren, Travis (Kirsten), Tyler, Rita (John) and Don (April) and great grandchildren, Kelsey, Tanner, Josie, Xander, Peyton, Isaac, Ethan and Erik. Her pound cake, chocolate pudding pie and honey buns were the highlight to our trips to visit her always receiving hugs and kisses but only half a piece of gum. Helon had a rough life but her love for her daughters had her working hard to provide a good life for them. She received a call to come home and could not refuse. She will be reunited with family and friends, shop to her hearts content at JC Penney’s and be the greeter at the gates. She was loved by all who knew her. Pallbearers will be Travis DeFries, Tyler DeFries and Terry Gray. We would like to especially thank Carpenter’s Creek and Emerald Coast Hospice for helping to make her final time here as comfortable as possible. Services will be at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South on Monday Oct. 28 at 8:30 AM with visitation at 8:00 AM. Brother Michael Hawkins will be officiating. Interment will be at Barrancas Cemetery at 10AM. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your church or charity of choice. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Pkwy is entrusted with the arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com

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Helon Julia Hawke

May 6, 1928 - October 21, 2019