"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35
Helen Mulrennan Young, born February 27th 1923, joined her Lord and Savior on March 31st, 2026. Her son, James A. Powell, and grandson, James Powell Jr., were there when she passed. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Patti McGee and grandchildren, Haley Powell and Marshall Powell. Her life was a beautiful story of resilience, love, and generosity, and her memory will forever live in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Born and raised in Valrico Florida, she grew up with her seven siblings in a humble home where there was little in material wealth, but an abundance of laughter, faith, and strength. She was the youngest sibling and the last living member of the Mulrennan pioneering family of Valrico. From an early age, she learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and a love for her Lord. Her steadfast faith in Christ remained a beacon of light throughout her lifetime and guided the way for her and her loved ones.
Helen graduated from Brandon High School in 1942 and then become the wife of Harold James Powell in 1943. She had a son, James “Jim” Powell on June 6th, 1947 and instilled all of her hard-work, perseverance and Faith in him.
Though most women at this time were homemakers, Helen was a full-time working mother. She worked at a staple restaurant in Brandon - Harris’ restaurant. While working here, she was first introduced to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon in the year 1963 by her brother Bud Mulrennan. Though she didn’t join at the time, Helen became a very active member of the club starting in the year 2000. In 2022, she received the ‘Spirit Award’ and was recognized for activity and involvement in the community.
She also showed her love and commitment to the community through her Crochet Ministries. From baby blankets for newborns at her church, Cornerstone Baptist of Brandon, to hats for Homeless individuals and cancer patients at the Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa – there was always time to give back. Helen once said, “I get satisfaction knowing that what I’m making is going to bring joy into someone else’s life,” a sentiment that beautifully reflects the outlook she carried and one we should all strive to remember.
Helen faced many challenges throughout her century-long life—from surviving a ruptured appendix at just nine years old to courageously battling cancer while caring for her late husband, Elwood Young. Through it all, she remained steadfast in her faith, often sharing that it was her Lord who carried her through. She prayed faithfully, placing her trust in His strength and believing wholeheartedly that He always had a greater plan.
In her later years, Helen enjoyed sitting around the table, made with the wood of her original homestead on the Mulrennan Groves property, telling stories of her childhood, family and her late love Elwood “Woody” Young.
In her passing, she leaves behind a gentle reminder to her family and friends not to mourn her loss, but to bask in the afterglow of a life beautifully lived. While she will be deeply missed, her spirit will never be forgotten. She truly embodied what it means to live a life of faith—selfless, generous, compassionate, and deeply loving in all that she did.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Brandon, with the family receiving friends one hour prior to services. Interment will follow at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Cornerstone Baptist Church or Florida Kiwanis Foundation, Inc.
Previous Events
Visitation
11
Apr
818 N Parsons Avenue
Brandon, FL 33511
Service
11
Apr
818 N Parsons Avenue
Brandon, FL 33511
Cemetery Details
Location
2323 West Brandon Blvd.
Brandon, FL 33511
Florida Kiwanis Foundation
#331433
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
