Helen Joyce Fowlkes

HELEN JOYCE FOWLKES, known as “Helen J.,” was the ninth of ten children (Jasper, Alvin,Carroll, Irma, Lois, Iris, Phyllis, Shirley and Joan) born to the late George and Helen Fowlkes on march 5, 1936. She received her early education in the Baltimore Public School System. She graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and went on to attend Morgan State University. She was a member of the Eastern Star Naomi Grand Chapter, a fraternal organization where she contributed her time, energy and wisdom to work for the betterment of others. She believed in giving back and often volunteered, using her secretarial skills to assist Pete Rawlings, the Baltimore City Police Department and assisted youth with reading at Ashburton Elementary/ Middle School. She became a full-time employee for the Baltimore City at Joseph C. Briscoe High School. Helen was a loyal, faithful and loveable Secretary, one who would go out of her way to get the job done. She always received accolades for her proficiency and dedication. After thirty years of devoted service, Helen retired. In her early twenties, “Helen J.” was known to sing at the Sphinx Club (you can check her picture at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum). This was the place to be on the “Hot” Pennsylvania Avenue Circuit that had a certain air about it… a pronounced style that set it apart. That’s you, Aunt Helen, uniquely set apart! She held weekly family gathering at her home, where you could learn the Madison, play pinochle and enjoy one another. She was vibrant and full of life. Her hobbies included bowling, volleyball and pinochle. She loved to sing and was a great whistler like her mother. “Helen J.” was most known to have a caring and giving spirit- always looking to help others. She made numerous friends wherever she went and will be sincerely missed by everyone who knew her. She was always a great sister, aunt, and true friend, who always kind and loving to her family. She was a member of Morning Star Baptist Church in Catonsville. Helen departed from this life in the comfort of home with her family on Saturday, April 2, 2011. She leaves to celebrate her life and legacy: her devoted sister and caregiver, Iris Sylvia; other sisters, Phyllis, Lois, Shirley and Joan; devoted niece, Teri Joyner-Johnson; nephew, Brett Joyner; great-nephews, Kyeon Rich and Nicholas Joyner; great-great-niece, Anira Joyner; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Tributes

Helen Joyce Fowlkes

March 5, 1936 - April 2, 2011