Obituary of Helen May Jones

Helen May Jones of Riverton NJ, passed away at the Mt. Laurel Nursing Home, Mt. Laurel, NJ on Tuesday, November 17, 2015. She made her transition from earth to glory. Born December 9, 1930, the eldest daughter, to the late Robert and Helen Hunter, Helen May lived in Moorestown, Cinnaminson (East Riverton), and finally to Palmyra, NJ. Helen was educated in the Palmyra Public School System and graduated from Palmyra High School in 1948. She attended a school of nursing in Trenton, NJ and was employed for several years at the Trenton Psychiatric Hospital. She worked for the Internal Revenue Service, Camden, and after being an at-home mom for a while, she later was employed and retired from the Camden City School for Special Services. Helen married the late William Spencer Person, Sr. and became the step-mother to William Spencer Person, Jr. and mother to Cynthia Lorraine. Later she met and married the late Nathan W. Jones on October 22, 1956. Nate & Helen were married for 58 years. From this union was born Christine LenNa and Carol Lynn. Affectionately known to her family and close friends as Helen May or Aunt Helen, Aunt May, and “Mom Mom”, she loved family. She loved to cook, entertain, and travel. She loved people, was a great encourager, and loved to play the piano. She did charity work for the tri-community by singing with the Doris Johnson Singers. One of her greatest pastimes was doing cryptograms, crossword, word find and make-a-word puzzles in the warmth of her kitchen. Helen in her earlier years, attended Evergreen Baptist Church, Palmyra, where she played the piano and sang in the choir. She attended Mt. Zion, A.M.E. Church, Riverton, NJ. Later she joined the St. Paul Baptist Church, Cinnaminson, NJ under the pastorate of the late Rev. Dr. Alvin Jackson. She loved her church and sang on the Sanctuary Choir. Helen was a faithful member until illness prevented her from attending. Helen was well known at the nursing home for knowing all the verses to the hymns. Helen joined the Adeste’ Fidelis Chapter #45 Order of the Eastern Star on December 11, 1958. Her accomplishments in this organization is as follows: the First Most Ancient Matron in April 16, 1964; FIHA Court # 13, Heroines of Jericho, P.H.A. Riverside, NJ; Worthy Matron, 1966-67; Worthy Patron Adeste’ Fidelis Chapter #45, O.E.S., Riverside, NJ; Most Ancient Grand Matron, 1971-1973; Bethlehem Grand Court, Heroines of Jericho, PHA; a charter member of Cyrenaica Royal Court # 11, 1976 Order of Cyrene, PHA, Lawnside, NJ; Grand Worthy Matron, 1992-1994; Oziel Grand Chapter, O.E.S, Jurisdiction of New Jersey; Grand Organist, 1993-1994 for Celestial Grand Court, Order of Cyrene, PHA.; Royal Perfect Matron, 1998-1999, Joshua Court # 1; Ladies of the Circle of Perfection, P.H.A., Lawnside, NJ; Recording Secretary, 1996-2008 for Samuel A. LLewelyn Burial Fund; Oziel Grand Assistant Treasurer, 1998-2008; Illustrious Commandress, 1999; "DIVAS" Zamora Court No. 135, D.O.I., Oasis of Camden-Desert of NJ; Served on the Historical Committee for Bethlehem Grand Court, 2002-2003; Bethlehem Grand Court's  Grand Secretary; Past Royal Commandress of Cyrenaica Royal Court #11. Helen leaves to cherish her memory, her four children Minister Cynthia (Rev. Ronald) Tucker, Christine (Julian) Williams, Carol Bass, and W. Spencer Person, Jr.; ten grand-children: Jesse, Regina, Cory (Stacey), Robert, Janine, Wesley, Jasmine, Nicole, Tariq and Chyanne; eight great grand-children; sister Doris Conner, Las Vegas, NV; brother-in-law Thomas Jones, Riverton; two nieces, Sherry Connor {deceased} and Connie (Rev. Keith) Williams, god-daughters Wanda Houston and Joy Houston-Rhoades, special friend Helen Ganges, a host of other family and friends.