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Helen Philbeck Grayson

Helen Philbeck Grayson, age 95, died on January 16, 2021, peacefully at home in Shelby surrounded by her family. A native of Blacksburg, SC and daughter of Broadus Randolph and Minnie Moss Philbeck. She was a graduate of Blacksburg High School, Class of 1941 and attended Gardner Webb College.

Helen was a founding member of Westwood Heights Baptist Church, where she was the treasurer for over 30 years, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. She received numerous service recognitions from the Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association.

Known for her incredible mind for business and finance, she spent 45 years as office manager for J.C. Penney, first in the uptown location and later at the Cleveland Mall. Helen, along with her late husband Ken, also ran the Shelby High School Concession Stand on Friday nights for 27 years. A sports enthusiast and loyal fan of the Atlanta Braves and her children's and grandchildren's colleges and universities. Helen kept meticulous records of scores and players relaying them by text to her grandsons until the end.

Helen never said no when she was asked to help a friend, family member or a stranger. She volunteered at Hospice of Cleveland County, American Heart Association and in numerous roles at her church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband (of 57 years) Kenneth Ray Grayson, her sister Alda May Grigg, brothers Aydlotte Philbeck, Thomas Philbeck, Broadus Philbeck, Jr., James Campbell Philbeck, and her brother-in-law, Ted Ervin Grayson.

Helen is survived by her sister, Estelle Philbeck Thomas (Robert) of Blacksburg, SC, brother, Willis Philbeck of Ocala, FL, a son, Kevin Ray Grayson and wife, Anita of Shelby; a son, Brent Avery Grayson and wife, Lynn of Charlotte, NC; and five grandsons, Kenneth Avery Grayson, Kendall Ray Grayson, Andrew Boyd Grayson, Elliott Reynolds Grayson, and Owen Thomas Grayson, her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Scruggs Grayson of Shelby; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Helping Hands caregivers Betty and Melinda, and Hospice of Cleveland County.

The body will lie in repose at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory on Tuesday, January 19th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The family will not be present.

Private funeral services will be held at Westwood Heights Baptist Church and Cleveland Memorial Park with the Reverend David Costner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Cleveland County 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby NC 28150 or Westwood Heights Baptist Church PO Box 398 Shelby NC 28151.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com


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