Helen Russell Brewton Obituary, Winnfield, LA, Cause of Death: Beloved Educator and FBLA Mentor Remembered at 83
The Winnfield, Louisiana, community is remembering Helen Russell Brewton, a longtime educator whose 34-year career touched generations of students at Winnfield Senior High School.
Brewton passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 28, 2026, at the age of 83, according to her obituary published by Southern Funeral Home. She was born December 4, 1942, in Yazoo City, Mississippi.
Throughout her career, Brewton became especially known for her dedication to students and her work with Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Louisiana FBLA records recognize Helen Brewton as a longtime adviser, with her name included in the organization’s National Adviser Wall of Fame.
A Career Dedicated to Education
Helen began her teaching career in 1970 and spent the majority of her professional life at Winnfield Senior High School.
Her career extended across a period of major technological change in education. She taught business-related subjects during an era that included shorthand and typewriters before education increasingly moved toward computers and modern technology.
According to her obituary, Brewton retired in 2004 after 34 years in education. Her influence, however, continued through the students she taught and mentored.
A Lasting Impact Through FBLA
One of the defining parts of Brewton’s career was her involvement with FBLA.
She dedicated many years to preparing students for competitions, leadership opportunities and events. Her work gave Winnfield students opportunities to travel, compete and represent their school while developing confidence and leadership skills.
Her commitment to the organization earned national recognition. Louisiana FBLA lists Helen Brewton among its National Adviser Wall of Fame honorees for 2011. She is also listed among Louisiana FBLA’s honorary lifetime members.
For many former students, that mentorship became an important part of their high-school experience.
Remembered Beyond the Classroom
Brewton’s influence extended beyond academic instruction.
Her obituary describes an open-door approach to friendship, with friends and neighbors frequently gathering at her home to visit, laugh and spend time together. She was remembered as fiercely loyal, occasionally blunt, but loving and kind.
She also enjoyed reading, playing bridge, watching movies and traveling. Football was another passion, particularly Winnfield Senior High School football, LSU and the New Orleans Saints.
Her faith was also an important part of her life. She was involved with the Dr. Wren Sunday School Class and Chancel Choir at First United Methodist Church, as well as Beta Sigma Phi and the Alpha Beta chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma.
Helen Brewton Cause of Death
Helen Brewton passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 28, 2026, according to her funeral-home obituary.
The obituary does not specify a medical cause of death. No illness, accident or other circumstance should therefore be assumed.
Family and Legacy
Brewton was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip A. and Merle Burgess Russell, her brother Phillip Russell and her granddaughter Mary Helen Cagle.
She is survived by her son, Jason Brewton, and his wife Karen; her daughter, Rachel Brewton Cagle; and her granddaughter, Sally Grace Cagle.
Her legacy also lives through the many students she taught and mentored during decades in education.
Memorial Services
Family and friends were scheduled to gather for visitation on October 1, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Christ Wesleyan Fellowship of Winn in Winnfield.
A memorial service was scheduled for October 2, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the same church.
Helen Russell Brewton will be remembered in Winnfield for her dedication to education, her commitment to FBLA and the generations of students she encouraged.
Her work as a teacher and mentor created a lasting legacy that extends far beyond her years in the classroom.