This memorial website was created in memory of our beloved mother and grandmother, Helen Shamburger.   Born on July 9, 1939, she was the fifth child of James and Lonia Shamburger.  of Robbins, North Carolina.  Growing up on a farm, she was a bit of a tom-boy and loved to spend time with her father and three brothers. In 1958, upon graduating from Pickeney High School, she moved to Washington, D.C. to begin an administrative career.  

Helen was a member of the Christian faith having given her life to Christ as a child attending New Zion A.M.E. Zion Church in North Carolina. While living in Washington, she was a member of First Baptist Church of Deanwood.

She is the mother of Pamela Jean Williams Chandler, who preceded her in death in 2007. She is also the mother of Rev. Angela Barksdale Martin (Lamar) and Ms. Trina Symonette.  She is the grandmother to six: Samantha McKnight, Kendra Symonette, Kyle Symonette, Vanessa Barksdale, Benjamin Martin, and Gabrielle Martin. She is the great-grandmother to Jordan and Jace McKnight.

After a valiant battle with Parkinson's Disease, she earned her wings on April 6, 2019 at the age of 79.  Her memory and legacy will live forever.