Margaret Helen Breazeale Stalcup was born on March 23, 1927, in San Angelo, Texas to John Leslie and Elta Lorraine (Nance) Breazeale. The family relocated to Brownwood when Helen was just three years old, and they purchased the family home in 1940.
With her father serving as a church deacon and mother teaching Sunday School, Helen was always involved in the church. She found joy in teaching primary aged children the love of God and music, using little more than homemade rhythm band instruments. She considered Coggin Avenue Baptist Church her extended home and was a long-time member and supporter.
Helen’s professional work complemented her church upbringing. She worked at the Brownwood Regional Hospital and, later, at a hospital in Houston, Texas, as a medical records clerk. After returning from Houston to help care for her mother, Helen found a wonderful group of women with the Red Hat Society. Joining their “Sweet Hattalines” group provided her the role of a lifetime as their “Minnie Pearl” in group performances. She loved playing Minnie Pearl! Her role included telling jokes and introducing each lip-sync performance. Staying active also included physical exercise as a member of the line dancing group, the Brownwood Lifeliners. Never one to stay quiet, Helen quickly earned the nickname “Sarge” for her ability to keep the team on task and in step.
Jesus took Helen’s hand on March 9, 2025, in a burst of sunshine. She was surrounded by family and will be missed beyond measure. Helen is survived by her daughter, Maricia Dowden, and spouse Darrell Hearne of Granbury and son, Randy Alford, and spouse Casey of Gardendale. She will forever be “Mimi” to her seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great, great granddaughter. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, brother Vernon, and two husbands – Roy Alford and Earnest Stalcup.
“The song is ended but the melody lingers on.” Irving Berlin
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2025 at Blaylock Funeral Home in Brownwood. The Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Blaylock Funeral Home Chapel in Brownwood. Interment will follow directly after the funeral service at Greenleaf Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home.