Obituary for Mary Helen James (Taylor)
Evangelist Mary Helen James (Taylor) was born on September 30, 1935, in Red Springs, North Carolina, and raised by John and Mary Taylor. She peacefully transitioned to her heavenly glory on February 16, 2024.
Helen was educated in the public school system of Rennert, North Carolina. Helen attended theology classes at the Howard University Divinity College. She also attended and completed her coursework at the Bible College in Lanham, MD, graduating with honors.
In 1953 Helen moved to Washington, DC, where she later met and married her husband and the love of her life Printiss James.
In 1966, Helen was one of the founders of the St. James Apostle Church of Christ in God, now known as St. James Restoration Apostle Church under the leadership of Bishop Robert Conward. In addition to being a founding member, Helen occupied numerous roles including: the first Sunday School teacher, President of the Missionary Department, a member of the Trustee Board, and later became an Ordained Evangelist by the Apostle Church of Christ in God. Even in her waning years, Helen always had the church at heart and continued to provide wisdom, direction, and insight to the church leadership.
Helen had many gifts but was known as a gifted seamstress, working that skillset for numerous years at Sammie’s Interior Designs, specializing in custom drapes, millinery, and women’s apparel. Helen also worked faithfully at the Bank of America and retired from there in the mid-90s after over 30 years of service.
Helen's first love was cooking, she always made elaborate Sunday dinners for her family. She also provided catering services throughout the years, specializing in soul food and baked goods. She was famous for her chicken and dumplings and her chocolate cake, to name a few.
Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Printiss James; son, Manuel Boykins; great-grandson Noah Gross; parents John and Mary Taylor and Lula Mae Smith; sister Pollie Smith; and brothers Roosevelt Taylor, and Jeremiah Jefferson.
Helen is survived by her children: Shearlene Dove, Katrina Gross, and William P. James, Jr.; son-in-law Darnell Gross; daughter-in-law Jennifer James; sisters Marlene Zollicoffer and Carol Ray; grandchildren Amira (Nikki), Beverly, Jamia, Tamia, Giovanni, Monique, Jordan, and Justin; great-grandchildren Jason, ZaVionne, and Nevaya; lifelong devoted friend Evangelist Lillie Suggs-Green; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Helen was educated in the public school system of Rennert, North Carolina. Helen attended theology classes at the Howard University Divinity College. She also attended and completed her coursework at the Bible College in Lanham, MD, graduating with honors.
In 1953 Helen moved to Washington, DC, where she later met and married her husband and the love of her life Printiss James.
In 1966, Helen was one of the founders of the St. James Apostle Church of Christ in God, now known as St. James Restoration Apostle Church under the leadership of Bishop Robert Conward. In addition to being a founding member, Helen occupied numerous roles including: the first Sunday School teacher, President of the Missionary Department, a member of the Trustee Board, and later became an Ordained Evangelist by the Apostle Church of Christ in God. Even in her waning years, Helen always had the church at heart and continued to provide wisdom, direction, and insight to the church leadership.
Helen had many gifts but was known as a gifted seamstress, working that skillset for numerous years at Sammie’s Interior Designs, specializing in custom drapes, millinery, and women’s apparel. Helen also worked faithfully at the Bank of America and retired from there in the mid-90s after over 30 years of service.
Helen's first love was cooking, she always made elaborate Sunday dinners for her family. She also provided catering services throughout the years, specializing in soul food and baked goods. She was famous for her chicken and dumplings and her chocolate cake, to name a few.
Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Printiss James; son, Manuel Boykins; great-grandson Noah Gross; parents John and Mary Taylor and Lula Mae Smith; sister Pollie Smith; and brothers Roosevelt Taylor, and Jeremiah Jefferson.
Helen is survived by her children: Shearlene Dove, Katrina Gross, and William P. James, Jr.; son-in-law Darnell Gross; daughter-in-law Jennifer James; sisters Marlene Zollicoffer and Carol Ray; grandchildren Amira (Nikki), Beverly, Jamia, Tamia, Giovanni, Monique, Jordan, and Justin; great-grandchildren Jason, ZaVionne, and Nevaya; lifelong devoted friend Evangelist Lillie Suggs-Green; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.