Marilyn Kay Stewart Helton, 69, of Huntsville passed away peacefully at her home Friday, May 3, 2024. She was born in Louisville, KY to William and Jewel Stewart on November 27, 1954.

She moved to Alabama after graduating high school. She began working at Hale Brothers Furniture store, where she met her husband, James "Bud" Helton. Soon after, they welcomed a son and a daughter, completing their family. After working at Hale Brothers for 28 years, the store closed, and Kay went to work at Heritage Christian School, where her son and daughter both went to school and worked. A few years later, Kay went to work at Lowe's. After 14 years of service, she retired in 2020. Kay was always a hard worker and a very meticulous bookkeeper and finance keeper.

As a child playing, she would often pretend she was married to a pastor. She loved that her dream came true when she married and became a pastor's wife. Her Christian faith was strong throughout her life. She was a member of Pleasant Springs Baptist Church, where her son is the pastor. Kay was quite content staying home, watching TV, and enjoying spending time with her cats. But her favorite hobbies included traveling, road trips, and going to the movies. However, her favorite thing to do was simply spending time with her beloved family.

Nothing made Kay happier than going to church every Sunday to hear her son preach or going on a travel adventure with her daughter. She was so excited to become Grandma to 2 very special young ladies. Some of the highlights of her life centered around her granddaughters. She loved watching her oldest granddaughter, Alexis, as she became a doctor, got married, and how she enjoys living her life. She loved playing restaurant with her youngest granddaughter, Kaylee, as well as watching her play basketball, volleyball, and soccer.

Kay battled with several health issues over the years, but she fought the difficulties to live a life full of faith, enjoyment, and family.

Those left to cherish her memories are her son, Patrick Helton (Sherry); her daughter, Pamela Helton; her granddaughters Alexis Bowen (Nic) and Kaylee Helton; her niece, Sondra Shelton; her step daughters, Brenda Rich (Danny) and Cathy Gipson; and a host of other family and friends.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Bud Helton; parents, William and Jewel Stewart; sister, Barbara Shelton; and half-brother, Freddy Stewart.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 7, from 12:00pm-2:00pm at Berryhill Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2:00pm at Berryhill Funeral Home with Patrick Helton officiating. Burial will take place in Green Valley Cemetery in Big Cove.