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Her faith was not simply something she professed; it was something she lived, and she spent her years sharing the love of Christ through her kindness, her devotion to others, and especially through the gift of song.

On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Mrs. Shirley Marcelle Helton Hubbard, affectionately known as Marcelle, age 86, of Carrollton, Georgia, ran into the arms of Jesus, leaving behind a lifetime of love, a beautiful legacy of faith, and a family who will forever cherish the blessing of calling her Mama and Nana. While her earthly voice has been stilled, there is no doubt that Heaven's choir has gained a beautiful new voice. For a woman who spent so much of her life singing about the goodness of God and the promise of Heaven, what a glorious homecoming it must have been to finally see her Savior face to face.

Born on September 17, 1940, in Carroll County, Georgia, Marcelle was the daughter of the late Amos Lee Helton and Mattie Bernice Baughtman Helton. At the age of thirteen, she made the most important decision of her life when she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. That decision became the foundation upon which she built her life, her marriage, and her family. Her faith was not simply something she professed; it was something she lived, and she spent her years sharing the love of Christ through her kindness, her devotion to others, and especially through the gift of song.

In 1957, Marcelle married the love of her life, Rev. Donald L. Hubbard, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span more than sixty years. Together, they were a wonderful team, walking hand in hand through life's joys and challenges, united by their love for one another and their shared faith in the Lord. As a minister's wife, Marcelle faithfully stood beside Donald throughout their marriage, and together they built a home centered on faith, family, and love. Although his passing in 2018 left an emptiness in her heart, she held tightly to the promise that their separation was only temporary. What a sweet reunion it must have been when she reached her heavenly home.

While Marcelle was a devoted homemaker, one of her greatest passions was gospel music. In 1962, she began singing with Estelle Farmer and The Helton Sisters, a group that included Marcelle and her beloved sisters, Elma and Vernette. Together, they shared their love for the Lord through the beautiful harmonies of gospel music. When Marcelle's daughter, Twyla, was just nine years old, she joined the group, which became known as The Helton Sisters & Twyla. What began as a ministry shared between sisters became something even more precious as Marcelle had the opportunity to sing alongside her own daughter. They performed at venues including the Joyful Noise Christian Supper Club, as well as churches, funerals, and gatherings throughout the area, sharing the message of salvation and the hope found in Jesus Christ. For Marcelle, singing was never simply about the music. It was about the message, the ministry, and the joy of praising the Lord with the people she loved most.

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Above all else, Marcelle's greatest joy and proudest calling in life was being a wife, Mama and Nana.

Marcelle was a lady in every sense of the word. She loved to dress up and was rarely without the perfect finishing touches. Her shoes, pocketbooks, and jewelry were all part of her unmistakable style. She believed in looking her best, and those who knew her will surely smile remembering how beautifully she carried herself. Yet, as lovely as she was on the outside, it was the love she had for her family that made her truly beautiful.

Above all else, Marcelle's greatest joy and proudest calling in life was being a wife, Mama and Nana. Of all the titles she held, none meant more to her than those given by the people she loved most. Twyla was not only her daughter but also one of the greatest blessings of her life. From the days of singing together to the ordinary moments that became precious memories. That same boundless love extended to her granddaughter, Lindsey, and her precious great-grandchildren. Being their Nana brought Marcelle immeasurable happiness. She delighted in the generations that followed her and loved each of them with the kind of unconditional love that only a mother and grandmother can give. Her family was her heart, her happiness, and her greatest earthly treasure. Long after the sound of her singing has faded, the love she poured into their lives will continue to be felt in countless ways.

Marcelle's life was a beautiful testimony to the things that matter most: loving the Lord, remaining faithful, cherishing family, and using the gifts God gives us to bless others. She leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves a legacy of Christian faith, a lifetime of songs, and a love that will continue through the generations of her family. Those who loved her will miss her presence, her beautiful voice, and the comfort of knowing Mama and Nana was always there. Yet they can find peace in knowing that the Savior she accepted at thirteen, the Savior she sang about for so many years, is the very One who welcomed her home.

In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, Rev. Donald L. Hubbard, Marcelle was preceded in death by her siblings, Aubrey Helton, Margie Ragsdale, Elma Hutcheson, Jim Helton, and Vernette Tyree-Wiggins.

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Her journey of faith has become sight, her earthly work is finished, and her voice has joined the heavenly chorus.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Twyla and Jerry Fristad; her beloved granddaughter, Lindsey, and her husband, Jeremy Thurman; her precious great-grandchildren, Claire Thurman, Harrison Thurman, Samuel Thurman, and Evelyn Thurman; and other extended family members and friends who were blessed to know and love her. The family would also like to recognize Martha Ward, Marcelle's devoted caregiver and friend, for the love, kindness, and companionship she provided.

A celebration of Marcelle's life and the faith she held so dear will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM from the chapel of Martin & Hightower Funeral Home, with Bryant Hightower, Rev. Wayne Webb, Rev. Shae Tallent, and Rev. Jeremy Thurman officiating. Interment will follow in West Georgia Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

Those serving as pallbearers will be Scott Hubbard, Nelson Helton, Rodney Helton, Alan Hubbard, Gary Hubbard, Stan Tyree, Joel Hubbard, and Barry Shadrix. Harrison Thurman and Samuel Thurman will serve as honorary pallbearers.

For Marcelle, the songs of Heaven are no longer simply words of hope or promises of what is to come. They are now her reality. Her journey of faith has become sight, her earthly work is finished, and her voice has joined the heavenly chorus. And while her family would give anything for one more embrace, one more conversation, or one more song, they can rejoice in knowing that Mama and Nana is home.

Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to serve the Hubbard family.