Carolyn Ann Helton, age 76, of Bessemer, Alabama, walked into the arms of her beloved Savior  the morning of Saturday, September 10, 2022, in Vance, Alabama.

Carolyn was born January 22, 1946, in Fayette County, Alabama, to Vonnie A. and Ruby D.  Patton. She was the only girl out of four children. Carolyn graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High  School and spent the entirety of her adult years in the greater Birmingham, Alabama area,  working as a secretary for such companies as Hayes International, Southern Company and  PP&S.

Carolyn's commitment to her local A.A. group created a second family for her that she loved  and cared for deeply. Her faith in Christ was central to who she was and how she lived,  spending many hours each day in prayer for her family and friends. She maintained her sobriety  for over 33 years and sponsored many others along the way. She often spoke at meetings,  sharing her story and giving God all the credit for her changed life, encouraging others on their  own path to sobriety, and touching the lives of countless people. Carolyn was not shy about  sharing her story nor about sharing her faith in Christ and she could often be heard saying,  "Give faith a chance."

Carolyn is survived by her two sons, Harold W. Sims II (Cheryl), of Springfield, Missouri, and  Herman W. Brown, Jr. of Quinton, Alabama; two granddaughters, Piper and Hope Sims, and  numerous step-grandchildren; her brother, Vonnie M. (Mac) Patton; and her niece, Vicky  Patton Geer. She is predeceased by her husband, Marshall Helton; her parents, Vonnie and  Ruby Patton; and her brothers, Cecil and Billy Ray Patton.

The family wishes to thank Vicky Geer, Mac Patton, Karen Price, Susan Sapp and other close friends for their  love and devotion to Carolyn and assistance in caring for her.

Visitation will be at Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Valhalla Funeral Home with a funeral service scheduled for  Thursday, September 15th at 10 am in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Cancer Society in Carolyn's name.