Helen Emma Owens Van Cleave

Mother Helen attended the Madam C. J. Walker College of Beauty Culture and was awarded her diploma on July 30, 1959. She was the first African American beautician to work in an all white salon in the Broad Ripple area of Indianapolis. She enjoyed being a beautician and was licensed to do hair care in all branches of beauty culture. She also was a devoted homemaker who created a home filled with warmth and love. She found joy in reading, baking, and gardening. One of the things that she and her devoted sister, Sister Flossie Davis, enjoyed their time together, whenever possible, on the fishing banks.

Mother Helen professed her love for God and while attending Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church was baptized, in Jesus's name, and received the holy ghost. Later she moved her membership to Grace Apostolic Church under the leadership of Bishop Morris E. Golder, where she served for over 20 years on the usher board and other ministries in the church, and remained a faithful member until she passed at 104. She was very much appreciated and loved, and in her later years, she continued to attend when her health permitted.

Mother Helen was strong-willed, dedicated, determined, and deeply faithful. She was a woman of great strength and conviction. Her love for God guided her life, and she was often quoted as saying "If the Lord's will."

Mother Helen Van Cleave, at 104 years of age, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026. Helen lived a long and beautiful life marked by faith, strength, and unwavering love for God and her family.

Many were inspired by her great Godly wisdom, her stamina, and her love.

Mother Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Francis B. Van Cleave; her stepson, Donald Van Cleave; her father, George Forest Owens; her mother, Helen Withers; her sisters, Rosetta Cherry Owens Hathcock, Iva Owens Wilcox, and Flossie Vivian Owens Davis; her brothers, Bradley Sylvester Owens, George F. Owens, and Wallace Jackson Owens; and her son-in-law, Ronald E. Jones.

Mother Helen leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted daughter, Lorelee V. Jones; her stepson, Minkah Becktemba; along with many children in faith and love whom she embraced throughout her lifetime. She was a proud grandmother to Tracey E. Jones and Stacy N. Jones Fide (Cem Fide, spouse), and a cherished great-grandmother to Cem N. Fide and Sofia S. Fide. She also leaves cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

Her 104 years were a testament to perseverance, devotion, grace, and faith. Her legacy of faith, love, and resilience will live on for generations,

Visitation will be held at Grace Apostolic Church, 649 22nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, US, on March 14, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at Grace Apostolic Church on March 14, 2026, at 12:00 pm.

Final resting place will be at Crown Hill Cemetery, 700 W 38th St, Indianapolis.