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Helen Booth
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On August 22, 1926, God blessed the world with a servant who would be known to us as Helen Augustine Booth. Helen's service was demonstrated in many ways as a: daughter to her late parents, Willie B. and Cordelia Booth; mother to son, Garland Booth, surrogate mother to niece, Norma Hatot; grandmother to Khadijah, Amatullah, Halimah, Warith and Ayesha; great-grandmother to Malachi; sister to nine, including her surviving siblings, Hazel Booth Driver and Willie B. Booth, Jr; sister-in-law to Samuel Driver, Catherine Booth and Louise Booth; aunt, great-aunt and great-great aunt to a multitude of nieces and nephews; loyal friend and confidante; faithful, tireless and relentless church worker; enthusiastic and committed community volunteer.

Helen was known for her keen intellect. She received her academic education at Bethel Elementary School and Gloucester Training School. Always at the top of her classes, combined with her eagerness to learn and exceptional aptitude, Helen attracted offers from colleges and universities. But, Helen chose not to leave Gloucester to pursue higher education, but to remain at the Booth family homeplace, where she lived until her final transition.

Helen was, however, able to apply her intelligence and mathematical aptitude professionally, by serving the U.S. Government at the Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown, Virginia from where she retired after more than 20 years of service.

God commands us in His Word to love. Helen loved Bethel Baptist Church unconditionally, under all conditions. She dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and glorified God as she served unselfishly and faithfully as the Church Clerk and Secretary for over 40 years.

Always the willing servant, Helen's voice was a vehicle for God's word through song, serving as a Bethel Church choir member for more than 50 years. Echoes of her testimony could be heard many Sunday mornings as she resonated lyrically "His Eye is on the Sparrow", "Sweet Little Jesus Boy", and numerous other hymns and spirituals.

Helen was multi-talented. Through the distinctive articulation and melody of Helen's speaking voice, in addition to her singing, she was a gifted oratory presence. Using this gift and talent, she delivered church announcements, various readings and messages, and masterfully facilitated the Mistress of Ceremony and/or spokesperson role not only in her church home, but in countless churches and other diverse programs throughout the county and beyond.

Helen was a cheerful giver, contributing her time and talents in many ways. She was a volunteer at the Riverside Walter Reed Hospital for the past twenty years, always serving her customers with conversation and a smile. She loved to cook and bake and never hesitated to cater for family gatherings and bake cakes and pies for people and events throughout the county. She was an active member of the Gloucester Community Bible Study for the past four years, where she shared teaching and learning more about God's word. One of her favorite Bible verses is found in the book of Psalms 119:105, "My word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path".

"In my Father's house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you". On Tuesday, July 24, 2001, Helen was touched by our Heavenly Father. Her mission in this life as a faithful servant was done. She had, in her many roles, served us and the Master well. He presented her with her Heavenly Crown and bid her to return home to Him to live in eternity. As the Word of God promises, she is led by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ through the valley, she rests in green pastures, and there is a table prepared just for her. Goodness, mercy, love, and eternal peace are hers to claim in the Father's house, a resting place for her, where she dwells forever.

Respectfully and lovingly written by her niece, Kathleen Driver.

 

Booth Family Reunion
4701 Kenmore Ave #218
Alexandria, VA 22304