Dear Cousin Helen,

"I fondly recall the good times we had spending many hours together going on shopping trips and seeing movies and plays". 

Your Cousin Josephine

In 1968 we had just gotten married. We were living in Washington, D.C. with my cousin Dolly. We were unable to rent an apartment even when we offered to pay months in advance. We were out of options when Aunt Helen stepped in and found us a wonderful place in Tacoma Park. The manager told us that the owner had directed him to rent the apartment to us if we wanted it without a deposit or credit check.

Aunt Helen did day work for the owner and her word was sufficient bond to get us our first apartment.

It is one of many fond memories we have of Aunt Helen.

Dang, I remember when I was you and Aunt Helen would send me to the store for a certain beverage, Carling Black Label Beer.  I don't think I was old enough to drink beer, but I would always make it back with a six pack.  Aunt Helen also showed me how to make chicken salad.  Now, this was not an average chicken salad, but the best I have ever had.  I stuck to her recipe and still make it. Heck, I even used it in a cook off (I tied for first place).  Aunt Helen will always be in my heart.  She will be missed :-(.

Grandma Rose died from a stroke when she was being transported by an ambulance that had mechanical failure. Grandma died because the ambulance did not make it to the hospital in time to save her life.  Due to Jim Crow laws, African Americans could not be admitted to the nearest hospital during segregation. After burying her Mom, Aunt Helen stepped in, dropped out of school to go to work and help raise her siblings. Because of her unselfishness, she allowed her younger sister(s) (my Mommy-- Pauline) to finish her high school education at Manassas High School. Thanks Auntie.

Auntie voted for D.C. Mayor Marion Barry in every election. She saw him as a true politician who was committed to helping blacks get jobs. Auntie's favorite radio station was WTOP News Radio 15. Auntie voted for President Barack Obama in the last election. Auntie had an amazing memory. She remembered all of her siblings' children's birthdays, and her cousins' birthdays. Her closest relatives were Cousins Jetta Watson, Sarah Stell and Elizabeth Wade. Her favorite nephew was Kent Foote, hands down.

Auntie's favorite dessert was McCormick and Schmick's bread pudding.

Aunt Helen told Aunt Lucy, if you get buried in Quantico, Virginia, it's too far away. It won't be anyone to go down to put flowers on your grave.

Auntie always made sure flowers were placed on all her loved ones graves each year.  She had her nieces and nephews do the runs since Auntie didn't drive.