Helen Braswell Payne was born Aug. 24, 1939, in Demopolis, Ala., and died on July 21, 2014, on Whidbey Island, Wash.

She suffered from a rare degenerative neurological disease, PSP, diagnosed in 2013. She died peacefully and with great dignity, surrounded by family and loved ones.

A wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, she was a role model and an inspiration for her family, friends, students and even acquaintances of how to live a happy, fulfilled life and make the world a better place.

Helen taught French at high school and college levels for over 30 years and was much loved by her students and colleagues. The recipient of many educational grants, she traveled extensively and brought her appreciation and knowledge of other countries and cultures back to her home community. A common message from her students is “She taught us much more than French, she taught us life.”

From her high school days onward, Helen played piano, guitar and dulcimer and sang jazz standards, spirituals and folk music from around the world. She loved to cook, bake bread, garden and travel. She especially loved surprising neighbors and friends with freshly baked bread and hand-picked bouquets and welcoming others to her table.

Her joyful, generous spirit lives on and will continue to inspire her family and all those whose lives she touched.

Helen is survived by her husband of 50 years, Martin K. Payne; her children Michael A. Payne (and Jessica Uhl); Laura Payne Martinez (and Rich); her grandchildren Malou, Lucas and Isaac Payne and Chloe, Nicolas and Benjamin Martinez; her brother Louis Braswell (and Moren); her nieces Margaret Braswell, Anne Bonito, and Helen Rand and their families; as well as many, many other loved ones.

A memorial service and celebration of Helen’s life was held on Whidbey Island. A second celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, on the campus of Indian Springs School, Birmingham, Ala.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Southern Poverty Law Center, Hospice of the Northwest, Amnesty International or another charity of your choice.