- Date Of Birth: June 22, 1924
- Date Of Death: November 24, 2016
- State: Maryland
On June 22, 1924, the Lord blessed this world with a woman who loved her God fully, her husband immeasurably, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren immensely. Helen was born to the late Garfield Boone and Elizabeth (Copeland) Boone, in Seaboard, North Carolina. She was the third of three children: Kate (deceased) and Dorothy (deceased).
The family moved to Washington, DC in 1930 and Helen continued her education in the public school system, graduating from Dunbar High School in 1942. Helen accepted Christ at an early age and joined Corinthian Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir. She had a strong alto voice that could clearly be heard.
One Sunday morning in 1939, as Helen was singing in the choir, the doors of the church opened and in walked Clarence Goodrich Young. It was love at first sight. She immediately knew that he was her “Boaz” (Ruth 2) and on June 9, 1942 they united in holy matrimony. Helen was Clarence’s “good thing” described in Proverbs 18:22. Even though they experienced great tragedy, with the loss of two children, their marriage definitely had favor from the Lord. One of the sources of their strong marriage was the fact that they began and ended each day with Bible reading and prayer. Helen definitely knew she was Clarence’s Queen and she lived, loved and shopped like one. She fondly called him her “Goodie “. The only word that comes close to adequately describing the love they shared is “Unforgettable”. Even in their senior years, they could be seen walking and holding hands. Their relationship was a Godly model of what marriage should be, according to the scriptures.
Their union was blessed with five children: Clarence Jr. (deceased), Helen, Barry (deceased), William and Brent; eleven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Helen was devoted to her children and grandchildren whom she loved, nurtured and yes… chastised. She always had words of encouragement, advice (whether we wanted it or not), a hug and a kiss for all of us. She wiped many tears away, healed many hurts with a kiss, spent hours at the table helping with homework, funded many dreams, and would travel near or jar to support her children. Helen taught her children to love God and to develop a personal relationship with Him. Everyone knew not to “mess” with Helen’s kids, unless you wanted to see a mother bear protecting her cubs. Helen’s hopes, dreams and prayers were centered on her children’s wellbeing and success. There is neither time nor space to truly describe the love she had for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
When Corinthian Baptist Church changed its location, Helen and Clarence transferred their membership to Mount Sinai Baptist Church, where Helen served faithfully for over 70 years. She was one of the organizers and first president of the Durham Chorale Ensemble. In her senior years she sang with the Seasoned Saints up until months before her death. Helen was
the guild leader for Family Unit Six for over 25 years, taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, served on the nurses unit, and missionary society.
Helen was a hard worker, even outside the church. In the early years, in addition to raising her children, she worked part time at the Non-Commissioned Officers Club, where she met her lifelong friend, Dorothy Williams. Once her children were school age, Helen worked full time as an executive secretary at the Department of the Navy, where she retired after working 17 years. She also embodied an entrepreneurial spirit. Helen sold Avon, Stanley and Popular Club. She became a seamstress and made many of her clothes, her baby boy’s clothes and even some of her grandchildren’s clothes. Helen owned a small clothing business with her sister-in-law (Pinkey – deceased) and organized bus trips to clothing outlets.
Helen was a staunch supporter of “Grandma’s House ” and organized many fund raising events. Her picture (holding a baby) was featured on the outside of Metro buses and on Metro platforms to bring awareness and support to the cause of “boarder babies “. She also volunteered with the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation during fund raising events and the Children’s Christmas Gift Drive.
Helen was known for her since of style, elegance and grace. She loved dressing up and going to church on Sunday morning. It didn ‘t matter if it was “dress down ” Sunday or not, Helen was going to be dressed up. We can still see her sitting on the 4th row with her matching hat, suit and shoes singing and praising the Lord.
After a brief illness, Helen went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 24, 2016 and is now rejoicing with her husband Clarence Sr., her sons Clarence Jr. and Barry, her mother, father, sisters and a host offamily and friends. Helen leaves to cherish her memory her children – Beth (Bobby), Mary (Barry), Billy (Sonni), Brent (Tammy); her grandchildren – Samone, Tony (Veronica), Nicole, Wayne, Eboni, (David – deceased), Vanessa, Andrea (Matt), Jessica (Sam), Bethany, Imani and Brenna; great grandchildren – Cameron, Peyton, Jordan, Miya, Anika, Damon, Ariana, Daviae, McKenzie and RJ; one brother-in-law Emmett; one sister-in-law Louise, and a host of nieces, nephews, Godchildren, cousins and friends.
