Helen Pinkney

December 27, 1922 - March 24, 2022

HELEN SIMMS PINKNEY, daughter of the late Thomas Simms and Daisy Alberta Spriggs Simms, was born on December 27, 1922 in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Helen fell asleep in death on Thursday, March 24, 2022. She was one of eight children. Her sisters Delmar Thomas, Marie Pinkney, Dorothy Branch, Laura McRoy, and brothers Thomas Simms, Dobbie Simms, and James Simms preceded her in death. Helen was affectionately called “Honey” by family and friends. Many called her Aunt Honey, whether blood related or not. She was educated in the Maryland Public School System. Helen had an interest in sewing and focused on those classes. Her love of learning caused her to volunteer in the public school system. Also, she assisted many adults with understanding and completing their important documents. Helen was always known for her immaculate household, well-dressed children, gardening skills, bird watching, and excellent cooking. Many enjoyed her delicious homemade hot rolls, cakes, eggnog, and potato salad. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were blessed to have a grandmother and great grandmother who prepared special individual meals just for them. For example, if you loved spaghetti, that is what she would prepare just for you. Helen used her love of learning to come to learn the Bible from one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Regina Gulliver was her neighbor and became her Bible study conductor and close friend. Helen dedicated her life and symbolized that dedication by water baptism on July 21, 1973. Her love for God and neighbor moved her to volunteer her time and energy in the public ministry. Many could count on seeing her in the witnessing work, preaching and teaching Bible truths. Not only did she desire to teach her neighbors and others the scriptures, but she also desired the same for her family members. Even at the age of 99, during her short stay at Summit Rehabilitation Center, she would motion for people to come into her room so that she could talk to them about the God she worshiped and loved, Jehovah. Thus, she maintained a spiritual routine, even attending her meetings for worship on Zoom, while in the center. Within the congregation, everyone knew that Helen had a strong grip, a smile, and some candy to offer. She was so well loved that when she attended Christian assemblies and conventions, she could barely leave because people would run up to her yelling, “Sister Pinkney, Sister Pinkney.” She responded with a hug, a smile, and sometimes a quick tap on the arm. When she was unable to attend meetings in person, she would listen on the phone and receive visits and spiritual encouragement from Kevin and Laurie Gulliver. Her sincere concern for others was evident in how she listened attentively to them as they shared their problems. One thing was sure, when you confided in Helen, she would not share your business with others. She always respected the privacy of others. Helen met and fell in love with George Irvin Pinkney, and they were married on May 27, 1939. From that union they had nine children, six girls and three boys. Her husband George and her children Marguerite Gross (Louis), Stanley E. Pinkney, and Helen Jeanette Stewart (Joseph) preceded her in death. Additionally, her daughter-in-law, Sandra Pinkney (Daniel H.) preceded her in death. Her love for her children set a fine example for how they in turn honored their mother. Helen was known to have daily visits from her children and grandchildren. Prior to her stay at the center, her children would not only visit but would take her for outings several days per week. They carefully watched over her, especially her youngest daughter, Deborah Lynn, with whom she resided. Helen leaves to cherish her memory: her two sons, George I. Pinkney and Daniel H. Pinkney; four daughters, Yolanda M. Pinkney-Fowlkes (Floyd), Pamela Thomas (Samuel), Beatrice C. Ragsdale (Jerome) and Deborah L. Pinkney; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.