Mother Helen Ruth Stone was born March 7, 1926 in Ranger, Texas. She was one of ten children born to the late Reverend Marvin L. and Estella Mae Lewis. The family moved from Texas to Vancouver, Washington in 1943. Helen came to Christ at an early age under the leadership of her father, the late Reverend Marvin L. Lewis. She was a founding member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, which started in Vancouver, Washington and later relocated to Portland, Oregon.
Helen was affectionately known as “Grammie”, “Mother Stone”, and “Aunt Ruth”. Helen attended Abilene High School and she worked as a ship yard laborer during wartime. She met her spouse through a mutual friend, as they were introduced at a local park softball game. She married Forest Leslie Stone, Sr. and they had three daughters and two sons. Family was first for Helen and she took great care to cook amazing meals and hosted family for holidays and celebrations. Helen cared for her late husband, Forest L. Stone, Sr. She was the very best nurse to her husband and as a result of her being in the presence of many medical professionals during her spouse’s illness, she was able to assist others in the care of their loved ones. She was given an award by the Parkview Nursing Home for years of service devoted to the comfort of the aged.
One of the great joys of her life included spending time with her family and loved ones. As the matriarch of the family, she was there for the birth and baptism of almost every grandchild, attended graduations, sporting events, recitals, and theatrical performances.
Helen was faithful in her Christian walk with the Lord. She was a dedicated member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she served in the Adult and Inspirational Choirs, the Nurses Corps, Shepherd’s Care Committee, Women of Hope Ministry, and the Scholarship Committee. One of her greatest honors was being President of the Mother’s Board. Helen was an active member of the Union District Baptist Association and the General Baptist Convention of the Northwest. In 2011, Helen joined Bethesda Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Robert C. Jointer. At Bethesda, Helen joined Women’s Mission, Scholarship Committee, Mother’s Board, and served as President of the Mother’s Board until the day of her passing. She was a leader amongst the Prayer Warriors group at Bethesda and a devoted member to her prayer group in Pennsylvania. Helen was humbled to have a scholarship at Bethesda Baptist Church named in her honor. She was a mother to the Youth and Junior Deacon’s Ministries.
Helen served her community, volunteering with the Portland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. as a member of the Mothers and Patrons Committee. Helen was loyal to her prayer life and talked to everyone about the goodness of the Lord and the importance of loving one another and praying for one another. Her life was a demonstration of the power of speaking directly to God and petitioning Him for everything you need. She strived for righteousness and modeled for everyone the character and spiritual walk of a virtuous woman.
Helen went home to be with the Lord on October 18, 2021.
Preceding her in death and waiting for her at the gates of heaven to welcome her home are her parents, Rev. Marvin L. and Estella M. Lewis; husband, Forest Leslie Stone, Sr.; daughter, Ernestine Stone; two sons, Forest L. Stone Jr. and Anthony Stone; grandson, Rahshann Stone; granddaughter, Dominique Purifoy; great-grandson, Jahleel Brown; three brothers, Elmer, Bobby, and Jack Lewis; and six sisters, Mary Harris, Lillie Virginia Brown, Lucille Williams, Addie Mae McFarland, Stella Mae Lewis, and Ella Mae Harrison.
Her beautiful life will live forever in the hearts of those left to cherish her memory: two daughters, Doris Muhammad (Ahmad) and Irene Shamsud-din; fourteen grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren, and thirteen great-great grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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