With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Helen Jenkins Brown, 89, of St. Stephen, SC, widow of the late Nehemiah Brown, who passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024.

Life Reflections

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies; Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."

Proverbs 31: 10; 29

"Her Journey"

Mother Helen J. Brown was born February 1, 1935, in Florence, SC to the late Frank and Pauline Bartell. She entered into eternal rest on Saturday, December 21, 2024

At the age of 2, Helen and her family relocated to Harlem, New York where she attended elementary, middle and high school. After completing school, Helen was employed as an assistant dietitian at Jewish Memorial Hospital and Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in New York City until she retired and relocated to South Carolina in 1993.
A lover of crossword puzzles, old records, chocolate candy, fashion and children, Helen enjoyed her retirement by being an avid supporter of education and helping children in her community. She volunteered and created the Parent Teacher Association at both J.K. Gourdin Elementary School and St. Stephen Middle School. One of the most notable programs she spearheaded was called "Community in Schools" which was an after-school program that provided hot meals, safe recreational activities, transportation and arts (music, painting, dance) opportunities to the children of St. Stephen Middle school, free of charge. Other events and programs she endorsed were the following: spring dances (prom) for rising ninth graders, eighth grade graduation, complete with cap and gown ensemble. Known as an elegant and graceful woman, she was a pageant instructor at J.K. Gourdin Elementary school in 1999, where her late granddaughter, Brittany Aigoro was crowned Little Miss J.K. Gourdin and Helen's protege won Little Miss J.K. Gourdin the following year, 2000. Helen was a substitute teacher with a passion for reading and learning; she knew every child and their parent personally. Helen was affectionately known as "Big Bad Brown" for her strict, no-nonsense demeanor but children loved how caring and honest she was, and they naturally gravitated to her.

Helen was a former member of Redeemer R.E. Episcopal Church of Pineville, SC, where Rev. Edmund Mayzck was the former presiding pastor. At the time of her transition, she was an active member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church of Eutawville, SC where Rev. Wayne A. Shaw was her lay leader.

Helen was preceded in death by: her loving husband, Nehemiah Brown, her sister Jessie Mae Harris and her grandchildren Sherifdeen Aigoro and Brittany Aigoro.

She leaves to cherish her legacy; her children, Gail P. Jenkins-Waring (Douglas) of St. Stephen, SC, Wanda Brown of Los Angelos, CA and Ronald Jenkins of Bronx, NY; her adoptive daughters, Elizabeth A. Griffin of Newport News, VA, Ruth (Jerome) Baker of Eutawville, SC, Martha (Milton) Waring, Dorothy Brown and Debra Prioleau all of St. Stephen, SC; her great grandchildren who were the light of her life, Amari Aigoro of Tampa, FL, Kenya, Madisyn and Bryanna Aigoro, all of Moncks Corner, SC; her best friend of over 15 years, Mable Dingle of Pineville, SC; along with a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, community leaders and friends.

The family is receiving friends and family at 1581 Hwy 45, St. Stephen, SC.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of St. Stephens, SC. 843-354-2292 .