Peggy Brantley Helm, 75, of Brooksville, went home to meet Jesus Wednesday, May 23, 2012. She was born on June 20, 1936 in McRae, GA. Peggy received her Bachelor's degree in banking from the University of Florida and obtained her teaching certificate in finance from the local junior college. Peggy started her career of banking in a small thrift loan company in Tampa in 1958, then Atlantic Loan, Brooksville. In 1967, she was hired by First National Bank of Brooksville and continued until retirement in 1986. Peggy opened Helms Mortgage Associates Inc., the first mortgage lending company in Hernando County in 1986 and then retired for the second time in 1998. Peggy was very active in the community as a Den Mother of Cub Scouts, a member of American Business Women's Association and Business and Professional Women's Association and Kiwanis. In her career, Peggy helped many families in the finance business, up to four generations. Predeceased by her father, Benjamin E. Brantley and mother, Alma Floyd Brantley, son Ralph Wayne Helms, daughter Cynthia Gail Helms, sister Diane Brantley Toler, brother Buddy Brantley. She is survived by her son, Steven Helms of Brooksville; sister, Geri McCrackin of Covington, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie and Carole Brantley of Brooksville; 2 grandsons, Steven Wayne Helms and Christopher Wayne Helms; 3 great-grandchildren, Jackson, Grayson and Avery; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. She was a Baptist by faith with a spiritual foundation. Peggy was a very loving mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend. She has touched many people in the community since 1958. She will be dearly missed by family and friends. We know she is at peace in Heaven with all her loved ones. A gathering will take place from 1-2 pm, Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at Merritt Funeral Home, Brooksville Chapel where a memorial service will begin at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HPH Hospice Foundation, 12107 Majestic Blvd., Hudson, FL 34667. Arrangements by Merritt Funeral Home, Brooksville Chapel 352-796-6699 "Family Owned and Operated" www.merrittfuneral.com

Published in the Tampa Bay Times on May 27, 2012