Helen Denise Broughton went to be with her Savior on February 13, 2018. Jesus was ready for the bestest hug ever, and brought His girl home to receive it!
Born in Memphis, Tennessee on August 8, 1977, she spent her life in Texas. She fulfilled a life-long dream by going to Texas A&M in 1995, graduating in August of 2004. Helen’s life was one of joy in the midst of even some of the toughest obstacles. Just after the start of her Junior year at the university, she was involved in an extremely serious car accident. The prognosis was clear: there was not a high chance of her survival. But, through the miraculous work of God, Helen recovered, and a new, beautiful story began. Told she would never walk again, she walked down the aisle to meet her precious husband, Ed, on August 8, 2009. Told she would not have a fruitful social life, she has blessed innumerable people with her smile, joy, and continuous offers of hugs. Told she would never make it, she did; because God can, and God did.
November of 2016 brought another fight for Helen: she was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. While her outlook was bright, forever trusting Jesus with her life, it was complications of this disease that eventually took her home. She was ready to go though, knowing that her eternal body in the presence of God was much better than anything she could find on Earth.
Helen is preceded in passing by her grandmother, JoAnn Huddleston. She is survived by her husband, Edward Broughton; mother, Shirley Smith and husband, Carlton; father, Ray Huddleston Jr. and his wife, Barbara; grandparents, Ray and Elsa Huddleston, Wayne and Esther Albright, and Gary and Helen Shumaker; sisters, Cheryl Buckley, Kailey Kissinger and husband, Seth, and Tracie Utz and husband Joel; brothers, Daniel Smith and wife, Brittany, and Zachary Huddleston; nieces, Brook Buckley, Kylee Smith and Deanna Utz; nephews, Brent and Bradley Buckley, Eli Smith and William Utz, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends that she loved like family, and strangers that she loved like friends.
Helen will be laid to rest at 10 a.m. on Saturday February 17th at Chilton Cemetery in Chilton, Texas, followed by a celebration of her life at Grace Bible Church – Anderson Campus in College Station at 2 p.m. The family gratefully declines flowers, but any donations can be made to Grace Bible Church’s Fellows Program in memory of Helen’s desire to see others grow in love with the Lord and the Gospel spread. Checks can be made to Grace Bible Church with Helen’s name in the memo line, and sent to 700 Anderson St. College Station, Texas 77840.
To the family, my heartfelt condolences for your loss of your loved one. As you cope with your loss, may you also find comfort in knowing that God promises to put an end to all the things that have plagued mankind for centuries including death (Revelation 21:3,4). May these promises from God’s word, the Bible give you comfort now and real hope for the future. My deepest sympathy.
So sorry for your loss. I think I only met Helen one time, but she was an inspiration to me through Our Facebook friendship. She will be greatly missed, but I will see her again in heaven someday!!
To Ed and Helen’s family,
All I can say was how wonderful and joyful Helen was. She was an incredibly kind and unfailing friend. I met her in Bible study and she never failed to find me and welcome me. When I went to service on Sunday, I could always count on seeing her. She would wave me over and made sure I sat with her because she knew I didn’t know anyone there. Jesus’ love shown right through her and I felt calm when she zipped into a room. I miss her incredibly, so I can only imagine as her family, what you all must be going through. I send my deepest condolences and I pray that the Lord is with you in the deepest waters today and moving forward.
Tracie, Joel! Deanna and William,
Nothing I say can take away the pain of losing someone you love. Know that you are in my prayers. Love you all!
So sorry. I know she was loved and will be greatly missed.
Paul and Kelly Mueller send our love and prayers. We are out of the country and regretfully cannot attend Helen’s memorial at GBC. We are saddened for the loss of Helen but rejoice that she is with Jesus and look forward to seeing her again! I would run in to Helen frequently at the grocery store and would marvel at her fearlessness and independence, and positive attitude. She was a shining light for Jesus!
Helen, remembering your smile and your friendship will always be a source of peace and strength for me. May perpetual light shine upon you. Through the mercy of God, may you rest in peace. – Mary
I am so sorry for your loss, my prayers are with y’all.
Shirley, I am so sorry for your loss. Helen was one special person. Her fighting spirit was unmatched. I would run into her occasionally at HEB or Target and she always had a smile on her face with a big hug to give and she would catch me up on the family. I am thinking about you and your family during this tough time. My prayers are with you. God bless