Obituary of Helen Erseline Brown

Helen Erseline Brown, 65, passed away Aug. 21, 2011. Her parents, Albert and Maxine Scales, a son, Tony Scales, a brother, Jordan Dortch Scales and a sister, Precious Vernella Dortch Ellison, preceded her in death. Helen leaves daughters, Naomi Wilma Scales of Houston, and Cassandra Payne and her husband, Chuck of Chicago; a brother, Hosea Dortch and his wife, Vickie; a sister, Dr. Naomi Scales Walker; seven grandchildren (Tony, James, Lashiere, Chuck III (CJ), Payton, Joshua, and Shannon) and three great-grandchildren; her extended family, Marilyn Jordan, Marci Washington and her husband, Jarvis, Francesca Jordan; a great aunt, Gracie Few; and a host of many other family and friends. Helen was born and grew up in Helena until her early 20s. She attended Little Rock Barber College where she received her license as beautician and barber. After completing school, she moved to Chicago and married. She lived in Chicago for more than 30 years where she learned the meaning of hard work, working as a beautician, bartender and tour bus driver. Helen loved life and her family and had a lifelong cherished relationship with her sister, Dr. Naomi Scales Walker. They were always there for one another through the good times and not so good times. Helen was a loving daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother and will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her. The visitation and funeral service for Helen will take place at Carter Chapel AME at 419 Columbia St. Helena on Saturday, Aug. 27 with Minister Carolyn Davis-Jones officiating. The visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon. The funeral service will begin at noon and interment will follow in Brown Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Stephen’s Funeral Home in Helena.