We are lucky in our lives if we know someone who challenges us to be a better person; someone who finds laughter in everyday occurrences; someone who can bring light into any darkness. While her light went out too soon, for those who were touched by Sutton Helvey-Chandler, she will forever shine in their hearts and memories.
Sutton died Friday, May 22, 2009 in Birmingham, Ala. Sutton grew up in Bonham, Texas. A talented athlete, Sutton played for Texas A&M’s basketball team. She later graduated with a B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from UT Dallas. Upon graduation she worked for ClubCorp for over eight years as their Human Resource Systems Manager.
In 2004, she married the love of her life, Russell Chandler, in Birmingham and settled in Trussville, Ala. She lived everyday of her life to the fullest and took on any challenge with the determination that made her a success on the basketball court. She considered family, friends and life as precious gifts. One couldn’t help but to become enamored upon meeting Sutton; her kindness, wisdom and spirit made everyone feel special. Her sly sense of humor and adventurous nature was contagious.
Sutton enjoyed reading Mark Twain, fox hunting and riding horses. She was an avid motorcycle racer, involved in club racing sanctioned by WERA and was ranked 5th place in the Formula One category.
She is survived by her husband, Russell of five years; her children, Russ and Kyle; her parents, David and Carolyn Helvey; her grandparents, Bob and Terie Helvey; one sister Stephanie and husband, Frank Loesche; one niece, Madeleine Sumner and her father Christian Sumner. She also leaves behind many friends, colleagues, teammates and acquaintances; all touched by her magnetic personality.
“The stars catch in her hair as she plays in heaven.”
Memorials may be made to The Red Flag Fund, www.redflagfund.org or the Susan G. Komen for the Cure , www.komen.org.
