Mary Helen Ferguson

Mary Helen (Griffen) Ferguson, born January 30, 1937, died on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at the Somerton Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Philadelphia. She was 81.Born and raised in Wilkes Barre, PA, she was a graduate of Hanover Township High School in 1954. She became a longtime resident of Lower Bucks County, and was the former wife of the late Neshaminy School District educator and Bucks County NAACP President., James L Ferguson, Sr. During the late 50's and early 60's she worked at the Howard Johnson's Hotel in Penns Grove, NJ and at Anchor Hocking Glass Company in Salem, NJ. Mrs. Ferguson was also employed at the Bucks County Department of Welfare for several years in the 1970's where she compassionately assisted many people in their time of need. She loved children and served as Brownie and Girl Scout leader both in Newtown and Levittown. She served in many capacities as a pastor's wife, mother, grandmother, church member, homemaker, and much, much more. She was known for her appealing and tasty party trays using the skillful art of catering she learned from her paternal grandparents, Thomas and Mary Griffen, who catered in Wilkes-Barre. She hosted NAACP meetings, church events, and any child who came near found the warmth of her heart. Deeply spiritual, Mrs. Ferguson had been a member of Saint James Episcopal Church in Bristol Borough. She was a member of the church's Quilters Guild in the '90s and early 2000's making items for AIDS patients and victims of 9-11. She was known for her colorful quilting, crafting, crocheting, and creative writing. She enjoyed gardening, loved music and dancing, had a beautiful singing voice and a great sense of humor.Later in life she proudly earned an associate degree from Bucks County Community College where she was invited into membership of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in March of 1985. Some of her creative writing was published in the BCCC Tyler Literary Review.Mrs. Ferguson was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Helen Griffen; her sister, Irene; her brother, Thomas; and by her stepbrothers George, Arthur, and Ronald Moore. Beloved mother of five children, she is survived by daughters Helen Claire Ferguson (Rebecca), Roanoke, IN; Linda Conway (Clifton), Norwalk, CT; Cheryl Wright (Wilmer), Trevose, PA; Virda Catalano, Cartersville, GA; and son, James L. Ferguson, Jr.(Sallie), Richmond, VA. She was the devoted grandmother of 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Ferguson will also be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.Family and friends are invited to attend the memorial service in celebration of her life, Sat, July 21, 2018, at 11:00 am at Saint Matthew United Methodist Church, 4300 Somerton Rd at Paris Ave, Trevose, PA. Visitation will directly follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests alternatively to consider a donation in Mrs. Ferguson's name to the American Heart Association or to a charity of your choice.