Mary Helen Schell

Mary Helen Schell “Grandlady” was surrounded by her family worshiping in song and hymns as she was ushered into the arms of Jesus.

Mary Helen was born May 15, 1945 to Edith and Elmo Kelley of Lawton, Ok.

She married Glenn Schell and enjoyed 12 wonderful years of marriage, teaching, and becoming a minister’s wife before having children. They lived in this area and she spent her time in the classroom. Mary Helen had a passion for children, which was evident throughout her life and the time she spent in the classroom. She claimed those children as her own. Mary Helen was a teacher for 47 years. 43 of those years were spent in Iowa Park CISD. Mary Helen and Glenn were married for 29 years. She learned to do a lot with little and took great pride in caring for Glenn after he had a stroke. She was a strong woman who cared for her husband and two young children. Her faith was strong and she leaned on that faith in every aspect of her life.

Mary Helen was a teacher at heart. Whether she was teaching music, a piano lesson, first grade, or anyone about Jesus, she was always teaching. She’s remembered by many names, such as first grade teacher, piano teacher, solo and ensemble accompanist, orchestra member, glory choir member, mentor, mom, friend, little general, sister, aunt, fireball, and the one she loved most, Grandlady.

She retired to care for her grandchildren and quickly learned that retirement kept her busy being part of the church orchestra, the youth orchestra, The Glory Choir, Encore Choir and volunteering at schools.

Mary Helen could always be remembered by her feisty personality, her big smile, and her passion to share Jesus with everyone she encountered. She loved music but had a true passion for hymns. She could often be found telling the preachers they should speak less and play more because the theology in the hymns was clearer and more complete than their sermons.

Mary Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Elmo and Edith Kelley, and her husband, Glenn Allen Schell.

Survivors include her her sister, Barbara Magee and family of Ardmore, OK, son, Kenneth Schell and two children, Sophie and Vivienne Schell, and daughter and son-in-law Karen and Brian Brunker and their children, Brazen, Tobin, Kalen, Leighton, and Axton.

In lieu of flowers you can make a donation to a scholarship fund for a student to receive music lessons with the Music Academy of First Baptist Church, Wichita Falls.