Helen Venable

Helen M.R. Venable, daughter of the late Walter and Irene Robinson was born on March 14, 1922 in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life on November 12, 2015 after a lengthy illness. Helen affectionately known as “Mama” received her education in the Baltimore City Public School System and graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School through Johns Hopkins Education Program. Upon completion of her education she became a full-time employee at Johns Hopkins Hospital for thirty-five years as an EKG technician and she was proud to let everyone know it. She would tell many stories about her employment there. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Saint Phillips Lutheran Church on Caroline Street. She married the late William A. Venable, and out of this union four children were born: William, Shirley, Walter and Brenda. She later established a loving relationship with the late Frank Johnson and three children were born: Don, Denise (twins) and Mallory. She was known to be a loving, caring, firm and devoted daughter, mother, grandmother and a friend to all who knew her. Mama loves sitting on her front porch even knowing the hottest of weather. As people would pass by, they would often say “hi mama” how do you feel today? She would always say “I am fine how about you” and sometimes this would lead into a lengthy conversation. On numerous occasions, she liked listening to music, especially when it brought back memories. She would snap her fingers saying “Oh Yeah baby, sing it.” She leaves to mourn: her children, William (Barbara) Venable, Shirley Carroll, Brenda(George) Gonsalves, Denise(Leroy)Harrison, Don Venable and Mallory Venable; devoted daughters-in-law, Pearl Corprew and Phyllis Venable-James; two nieces, Loretta Nelson and Rhonda “Kimmy” Brown; great-nephew, Jerrad Baker; eighteen grandchildren, Pearl “Flicker”, William, Walter, Wanda, Brenda “Lil Bits”, Tyrone, Dwayne, Joyce, Shirley”Lil Shirley”, Beulah, Lawrence, Ronald, Shermia, Michael, Crissi, Darnell, Danielle, Dameria, Andre and Samuel ”Bobo”; eighty-eight great grandchildren; seventy-one great-great grandchildren; and three great-great-great grandchildren; extended grandchildren, Cliff, Curtis Jr., Ariel, Bettina, Tanya and Keith; and a host of other relatives and friends. Also preceding her in death: her son Walter Venable; four grandchildren; Jackie, Anthony, Charles and Damon; two brothers, Edward and Walter Robinson; and son-in-law, Samuel Carroll Sr.

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Helen Venable

March 14, 1922 - November 12, 2015