Helen Jane (Sandlin) Cissell

Helen Jane (Sandlin) Cissell, 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, surrounded by the love of her children and family. Born on August 21, 1932, in Fairdale, Helen grew up in the Portland neighborhood of Louisville with her parents, Anna Mae and Philmore Sandlin, and her five siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents, her four brothers—Charles, Philmore, Eugene, and Cecil (all proud Navy servicemen like their father)—and her sister, Lillie Mae. Helen shared a special bond with her mother and cared for her deeply. In her mom’s later years, Helen visited her daily in the nursing home, ensuring she felt surrounded by love and comfort until her passing. In 1949, Helen married the love of her life, Jim E. (James) Cissell. Their marriage was a testament to enduring devotion, lasting 66 years until Jim’s passing in 2015. Helen went to join her Beloved in Heaven on what would have been their 76th wedding anniversary, a truly joyful reunion. Together, Helen and Jim created a home filled with love, laughter, and faith as they raised four children: Linda, Carol, Janis, and Don. Helen’s devotion to her family was steadfast, and she remained a constant source of support, wisdom, and warmth throughout their lives. Helen was a woman of deep faith and quiet conviction. Though not born into the Catholic Church, she embraced it wholeheartedly, becoming a proud member of St. Paul Catholic Church. She volunteered at school and church picnics, worked alongside Jim in the cafeteria, and was active in the Young at Heart group and the Altar Society. Her devotion to the Blessed Mother was unwavering, and she found great joy in finally receiving her “chip” as a full member of the faith in 2006. Even when faced with cancer, Helen met each day with grace, kindness, and an unshakable trust in God. Her caregivers at the Brown Cancer Center were touched by her warmth and gentle spirit. Helen was loved by all who knew her. She had a way of filling a room with joy and laughter that came from deep within. She was a wonderful cook (her macaroni and cheese was a frequent request), and her greatest joy was doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was Mammaw to eight grandchildren (Karen [Tanner], Chris [Missy], Josh [Chandra], Kelsey [Clint], Brittany [J.B.], Benjamin [Erin], Mariah [Cody], and Jillian), ten great-grandchildren (Ally, Ashley, Kasey, Jacob, Nick, Arlo, Aiden, Sophia, Eric, and Elijah), and her four great-great-grandchildren (Lucas, Makayla, Hallie Jo, and Chloe). Her lap was always open to grandbabies, no matter their age. She also had a special fondness for the dogs of her children and grandchildren, always offering them too many treats and affection. Helen ensured time was always made for togetherness through holidays, birthdays, and celebrations. She especially adored Christmas and Halloween, delighting in decorating her home inside and out and welcoming loved ones through the door. At Christmas, she proudly owned her role as the partridge in a pear tree as the family sang the “12 Days” together. She loved sharing stories from her past, weaving memories into moments that made others feel connected and cherished. Even the smallest details—like the safety pins she always kept tucked inside her shirts—spoke to her quiet preparedness and the care she carried into every interaction. In her nineties, she found a love for golf, delighting in weekend tournaments, cheering on her favorite players, and admiring the beauty of the courses. It was a late-in-life joy that reflected her openness to new pleasures and her enduring appreciation for life’s simple gifts. In her later years, as her health declined, Helen remained at home thanks to the loving care of her children, sons-in-law (Mike, Bill, and Woody), and extended family. Together, they ensured she was surrounded by laughter, comfort, and unwavering love until her final breath. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of family, friends, nieces and nephews who adored her dearly, and many more whose lives were touched by her. She will be remembered for the life she lived and the impact she had on those who knew and loved her. Helen is survived by her children: Linda (Mike), Carol (Bill), Janis (Woody), and Don; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored beyond measure. Her legacy lives on in the love she gave, the faith she nurtured, and the family she held so dear. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 3, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Catholic Church, with burial to follow at St. Andrew's Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Sunday, November 2, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at Owen’s Funeral Home on Dixie Highway. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church in memory of Helen.

Helen Jane (Sandlin) Cissell

August 21, 1932 - October 28, 2025