Helen Loretta Brown was born May 12, 1925 in Charleston, South Carolina to (the late) James and Jermina Brown. Helen was one of eighteen brothers and sisters of which only sister remains, Estelle Wright. 

In 1950, Helen migrated to New York becoming an employee of and retiring from JCPenney. she eventually met and married Robert Barrett. Their marriage dissolved by way of divorce in 1973. Helen continued on with her life when she met and fell in love with Carswell Norton. They married in their union lasted until his death in 1996. 

On October 8, 2019 Helen was admitted to the New York Methodist hospital for a sepsis infection which it unfortunately progressed into septic shock. Sadly, at 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, with loved ones at her bedside, Helen Norton died at the age of ninety- four. 

Helen is survived by her children: Stanley Brown, Sheldon Barrett, Andrea Barrett, Gregory Barret, and Ashia Norton; Collette Grimes and Theodous Norton; ten grandchildren, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, her sister Estelle Wright; one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law, one sister-in-law, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and very dear friends. 

  We loved deeply, but God loved you best.