Helen Belk Bradley

Helen Juanita Belk Bradley 9/4/1928 - 2/15/2025

Helen was born in Franklin County, Georgia to Knox and Eva Belk. She was the 5th of 6 siblings. She attended elementary - high school at Ila, Georgia where she graduated at the top of her class with honors.

Her true legacy began when she married her high school sweetheart, Seward Thomas Bradley on April 6, 1947 after his return from serving in W.W.II. The two became known as "Nana and Papa" to both immediate family and those unofficially "adopted" along the way. They enjoyed almost 70 years of marriage before Tommy went to be with the Lord in December of 2016. Helen went to work at Blue Bell manufacturing shortly after graduation. She was soon promoted to supervisor, then eventually became plant manager. She took early retirement after 38 years of service with Blue Bell in Comer, Georgia. 

Papa established Circle B Stables in the 1960's where they called Ila, Ga home and lived out the rest of their lives. Nana and Papa attended Wesley Chapel Community Church where Nana served as treasurer for many faithful years.

While Helen and Tommy never had children of their own, they were claimed as second parents and "Nana and Papa" to countless others. Nana made sure that everyone felt welcome and that nobody left hungry. Nana never turned away a stray, and most remember her seated with a cat in her lap. 

Nana will be remembered for the stories she told over and over, her infectious laugh, glowing smile, and her amazing cooking. Most of all, she will be remembered for her spiritual grace and unconditional love for all. We could not have asked for a better Nana, and we will miss her every day. Helen's memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband: Seward Thomas Bradley "Papa"

parents: William Howard Belk "Knox" and Eva Belk

siblings: Mauzee Bonds, Howard Belk, Jean Rice, and Evelyn Morrison

niece and nephew: Tommy Byrd and Johnny Sue Swair

Helen is survived in life by her sister: Peggy Belk

nephews: Greg Dillard, Russell Dillard (Jeanie Dillard), Jimmy Byrd, and Jerry Byrd

niece: Paula McCannon

Grand nieces: Rachel Stephens (Samuel Stephens), Chelsey Jones (Clay Jones), and Becca Ochoa (Danny Ochoa)

Grand nephews: Wesley Dillard (Kelly Dillard) and Joseph Thomas Dillard (Kendall Dillard)

Great grand nieces: Reagan Jones, Rosie Ochoa, Hadley Stephens, Ella Dillard and Mavis Dillard

Great grand nephews: Benicio Ochoa, Raylan Jones, Tommy Dillard, and Leon Ochoa

Visitation will be held at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home in Danielsville, Georgia this upcoming Saturday 22nd from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm.

After the funeral service, she will be laid to rest at Wesley Chapel Community Church.

Lord and Stephens, Danielsville is in charge of arrangements.