Helen Marie Brainard

Helen Marie Brainard, 89, passed away peacefully on June 20,2026.

Helen was born on November 20, 1936, in Claremore Oklahoma, to Earnest Rubin Carter and Addie Carter (Dobbs). She grew up in Claremore and attended Claremore Public Schools. She lived in Pryor for a period of time before returning to her hometown of Claremore.

Helen enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. Some of her favorite hobbies included playing bingo, watching soap operas and westerns, and spending time people watching on her front porch. She enjoyed attending Cedar Point Church with her granddaughter. Above all else, Helen loved spending time with her family. One of her most cherished memories was attending a Kris Kristofferson concert with her daughter, Melinda. She especially loved attending T-ball games and family gatherings, where she could be surrounded by those she loved. Her great grandchildren brought her tremendous joy, and the rest of the family often joked that her biggest smiles showed when her great grandchildren were around. Helen was known for being a sweet and quiet woman, but also a resilient and strong woman. Her gentle presence will be deeply missed by many.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest Rubin Carter and Addie Carter (Dobbs), her sisters: Lela Mae Welch, Margaret Byrd, Shirley Jane Cornell, Anna Carter, Betty Carter and her brother, Earnest Carter Jr.

She is survived by her children, Tammy Potts, Melinda Miller and husband Chance; her grandchildren, Vanessa Metcalf and husband Andrew, Clint Davidson and wife Kylie, Tristan Davidson, and Meagan Miller; and her great grandchildren, Linda Sue Weaver, Natalie Helvey, Alaina Metcalf, Easton Davidson, Tate Davidson, and her brother Robert Carter.

Helen’s love for her family and her kind gentle spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Herman house at webpayment.arvest.com.