Helen L. Bly


Helen Lucille Bly, a kind, gentle, and loving family matriarch, died October 12, 2018. Helen, 97, was born September 15, 1921 to John and Atha (Schneckenberger) Grimes, and lived her entire life in Charlotte. A CHS graduate in 1940, she married Kay Charles Bly on October 24, 1941 in Charlotte, and together they created a beautiful, loving home and family. She loved cooking and baking, especially molasses cookies, which she enjoyed sharing with company in her home. Talented in the garden, Helen enjoyed flower gardening, as well as vegetables that she would can for her family, always striving to be the best homemaker ever. Helen also loved camping in Harrison, trips to Florida, writing in diaries, and putting together puzzles. She was an excellent role model for her children and grandchildren, she loved her family and they adored her.

Helen is survived by her children, John (Brenda) Bly, and Rebecca (Richard) Fain; grandchildren, John Kay (Lisa) Bly II, Chuck (Kelly) Fain, Elizabeth (Paul) Lee, and James Kay Bly; great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Ashley, Scott, Kaycee, Taylor, Brendan, and Grant; as well as seven great great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Kay in 2003; infant sister, Mary Louise, brother, Dick (Delores) Grimes, and her parents.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 17, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Helen on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.