Helen F Stephens

HELEN FRANCES STEPHENS, the daughter of John Willie Terry and Elizabeth Parsons, was born on December 13, 1929 in Adairville, Kentucky; Logan County. Helen's mother, Elizabeth Parsons, was later united in holy matrimony to James H. Franklin. At an early age, Helen's family relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana where she resided and made her home for the duration of her lifetime.

HELEN started her education in the Kentucky Public School System and continued it, after relocating, in the Indianapolis Public School System. She later graduated from the historical Crispus Attucks High School in June of 1948. She was united in holy matrimony to James A. Stephens, Sr., on June 22, 1948, who preceded her in death.

HELEN worked as a clerk for College Life Insurance Company, for 30 years, until the company dissolved. Upon dissolution of the College Life Insurance Company, she began employment, as a Control and Examination Clerk, with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), of which she remained until she retired September 23, 1994. As is her character, HELEN performed her duties in an exemplary manner resulting in the issuance of several performance awards.

At an early age, HELEN accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior; and was ultimately united with Union Baptist Church. Her membership was transferred to New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, by Christian experience.

HELEN was a member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church for 60 yrs. She loved her church; and was faithful and conscientious in her attendance and service until her health began to fail. Prior to the decline of her health, no matter what was going on at “New Bethel", you could count on seeing HELEN in her '“favorite" seat - middle section, third row pew, left side. If her seat was void of her presence, you knew something was wrong. Some of the positions, that she served in throughout her years at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, were: 1) Attendance clerk for the Junior Choir; 2) Church Clerk for obtaining information from new candidates for Christian discipleship; 3) Church Clerk for mailing bulletins to the sick and shut-in members; and 4) of course, providing amazingly scrumptious potluck items and baked goods for past pitch-in gatherings. HELEN has been given several awards for her notable service, and labors of love.

In addition to her church, HELEN loved her "four-legged" grandbabies, which were her two daughters', (Jacquelyn R. Brooks and Patricia A. Gunn) dogs. To HELEN, their dogs were just like children with two extra legs. To that end, she spoiled them rotten; and they loved her dearly. Pookie (Cocker Spaniel); Angel (Maltese); and Diamond (Pekingese) have all preceded her in death. Bimmer (Maltese) lives on to cherish her memory; and resides with his owner-mom, Patricia Gunn.

HELEN also had a passion and "green thumb" for plants and flowers, (of any kind); as well as her delicate African Violets that she could literally grow under any conditions. She also loved receiving cut flowers for the beautification of her living space. A bouquet of fresh flowers would always emit a beautiful smile upon her face that glowed as brightly as the morning sunrise. HELEN received her last bouquet of flowers, from her hospice health aide, the Friday before she passed. Little did we know that those flowers would be emitting the last ray of sunshine that we would ever see again by way of her smile. We thank God for those flowers. Always give your flowers on this side of heaven; and you'll live with no regrets.

HELEN also liked to help others. When she retired from DFAS, she became an independent in-home companion caregiver. She provided service to several renowned clients until she was physically unable to do so.

HELEN loved to cook for others, especially her family. She also loved to eat, especially sweets. After dinner, her favorite saying was to ask: "Ain't we got no sweetening?", jokingly imitating our grandfather when he'd inquire whether there's anything sweet to eat. Her nickname was also "Bean-Bean Head" because she ate so many green beans; as that was her favorite vegetable. She also enjoyed watching television, particularly game shows, her favorites being "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy". Her favorite television shows were "Highway to Heaven"; "Lone Ranger"; "Roy Rogers"; "Sergeant Preston"; and "Lassie". Most people knew not to call her during those hours. She was also an "Indiana Pacers" fan.

HELEN FRANCES STEPHENS departed this life on October 31, 2021, at her residence with her loving daughter (Jacquelyn R. Brooks, her caregiver) by her side, after fighting a sudden diagnosis of terminal liver cancer. HELEN was ninety-one years of age. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Georgia B. Thomas; her step-father, James H. Franklin; and her mother, Elizabeth Franklin.

HELEN FRANCES STEPHENS leaves to cherish the memory of her life: three daughters, Patricia A. Gunn, Jacquelyn R. Brooks, and Glenda Peyton (honorary); a son, James A. Stephens, Jr.; a grandchild, Charisse Stephens; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Forte-Anderson (honorary); an aunt-in-law, Sarah Franklin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, faithful church family, and devoted friends.