Celebration The Life Of

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Life’s Journey

Helen Ray Brown was a beautiful baby girl and a gift from God. Born on January 30, 1947, in Longview, Texas as the only child to Raymond and Georgia Brown who loved, raised, and cared for her. She was educated in the Houston Independent School District and graduated in 1966 from Wheatley High School. Helen’s parents taught her to know and love God, and to serve others. She did not fall short in passing this knowledge to her children and always welcomed growing in the Lord. In Helen’s early life, she married the late Albert Roosevelt Mitchell and they gave birth to Trina Mitchell and La’Tonja Mitchell. Later in life, Helen married the late Henry Boykin and gave birth to LaKesha Boykin. As a single mother, she loved and cared for her family and worked tirelessly to be an amazing provider. Helen was raised and baptized as a Christian at an early age where she attended and served at Greater Sunrise Missionary Baptist Church. Later in life, she found a church home in Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church for her and her children where she was a faithful member for over forty years while serving in the following ministries and organizations: Amazing Grace Ministry, Sunday School, Outreach Ministry, Prayer Warrior Ministry, and Vacation Bible School. Helen was employed by Texas State Optical for 32 years until her retirement. Many knew her as “the eyeglass lady” and welcomed her warm smile and service. She enjoyed visiting with her mother, spending time with her children and family, traveling, and attending church events. Helen leaves to cherish precious memories: her daughters, Trina Mitchell-Purvis (Harrell Purvis), La’Tonja Moten (Deric Moten), and LaKesha Gamble (David Gamble); grandchildren, Taneisha Tennard, Edward (EJ) Andress (Yaya Andress), Maiya Tennard, LaTaija Crowder, Brandon Tennard, Brianna Tennard; London Gamble, and Daylon Gamble; great-grandchildren, Cameron Tyree Crenshaw, and Ava Wilcox; And her stepsons who she adored, her special friend Clyde Willis, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.