Helen Mae Brown Shigley, of Marion, Indiana, passed peacefully into the presence of Jesus on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 surrounded by family singing praise hymns. Well done, good and faithful servant!
She was born in North Carolina on April 8th, 1923, to Selven and Carrie Brown. She received her Bachelor of Science from Indiana University in Speech & Language Arts and her Master of Science from Ball State University in Elementary Education.
For 56 years Helen was married to the love of her life, Dr. Edward Harold Shigley who preceded her in death. They had six girls and one boy and their home was always open for so many more. Hospitality was one of her gifts as Helen often said, “there is always room for one more”. Helen was an avid Jesus follower, song evangelist, accordion player, pianist, church choir member, librarian, elementary school teacher, university instructor, pastor’s wife, director of children’s ministries in the church, leader of women’s groups, lifelong reader & storyteller. Her laughter, love of life, and winning smile will never be forgotten. Most of all she will be remembered as a woman who loved God with all her heart and showed it by loving others and training up her family to do the same.
Helen is survived by her seven children: Lavon (Bengt) Korswing, Sweden; Beth (John) Perkinson, Deputy, IN; Ronda Roberts, Valdosta, GA; Donna (David) Tolan, Six Mile, SC; Joy (Craig) Moore, Marion, IN; Brenda (Dave) Blackburn, Etowah, NC; Eddy (Esther) Shigley, Marion, IN; 28 grandchildren, and 64 great-grandchildren. At the age of 99, Helen had 99 direct descendants.
Along with her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by her brothers, S. T. Brown Jr., and Hal Brown; sisters, Lucille Davidson, Treva Morgan, and Mona Rose Allen; son-in-law, Joey Roberts; granddaughter, DeAndra Cross; granddaughter-in-law, Amanda Blackburn and great-granddaughter, Evie Grace Blackburn.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Needham Storey-Wampner Funeral Service North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave, Marion, Indiana. Visitation will also be Friday, February 24, 2023 from 10:00-11:45 am before her Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 noon at College Wesleyan Church, 4001 S. Selby St, Marion, Indiana.
Memorials can be given to the Wesleyan missions’ organization, Global Partners at<http://wesleyan.org/gp>wesleyan.org/gp <http://wesleyan.org/gp>.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Helen, please visit our floral store.