Helen Ludine (Wilson) Mitchell

Helen Ludine (Wilson) Mitchell was born on June 25, 1932, in Dallas, Texas, to Beulah Mae Caldwell and Arthur Lee Wilson. The eldest of six children, Helen was a natural nurturer and leader from a young age. All of her siblings preceded her in death.

Helen accepted Christ early in life and united with the Church of the Living God on Washington Avenue in Dallas. Her faith remained strong throughout her life. Later, she joined Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Garland, Texas, where she served faithfully in the Women’s Ministry until she transitioned to eternal rest.

Helen was educated in the Dallas Public School System and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She continued her education at Los Angeles Community College and later attended Texas College in Tyler, Texas, upon returning to her home state.

Helen was first united in marriage with John Greer Jeffrey, and four children came from this union: Ronald Lynn, Julie Vanessa, Jessica Janelle, and Johnne’ Renee’. John passed away unexpectedly in 1965. In June 1967, Helen married William Ray Mitchell. Sadly, she experienced further loss with the passing of her eldest child in 1973 and her second husband in 1977. Despite these hardships, Helen’s unwavering faith in God provided her with strength and resilience. She remained a devoted mother, grandmother, and matriarch to her family, offering leadership, guidance, and unconditional love.

Helen’s career and passions were rooted in the culinary arts. A gifted cook, she was especially known for her baking. Her specialties included Seven-Up pound cake, Sock-it-to-Me cake, sweet potato pie, pecan pie, apple-cranberry pie, and her beloved bread pudding with raisin-butter sauce. Beyond the kitchen, Helen was an avid and talented quilter. Over the years, she crafted quilts for her children, grandchildren, and many others. Her final quilt, made for her great-great-grandson, stands as a testament to her enduring love and craftsmanship.

Helen leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and faith. She is survived by her daughters: Regina Williams, Julie Jeffrey-Robinson, Jessica Jeffrey, and Johnne’ Renee Jeffrey; her grandchildren: Karla Rachel Kelly (LaRon Smith), Jaime Jeffrey-Mason (Brian), Cajun Williams, Anna Jeffrey, Ashley Williams McDonald, Katherine Bell, Alexander Mitchell Kelly, Billy Morris Kelly, Neuman Williams, Jerry Wright, Jercoby Wright, and Quentin Kelly; eighteen great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Stephen Bell; her sisters-in-law: Jeselyn Jeffrey Jackson, Deloris Wilson, and Margie Wilson; her cousins, Shirley Jean Hughes Lydia and Lucille Williams (Rostell); special nieces: Sharlindra Fowler, Jenise Jackson, and Jennifer Scoggins (Danaon); a special nephew, Lane Wilson (Retina); and a host of other beloved family members and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Beulah and Arthur Wilson; her son, Ronald Lynn Jeffrey; her daughter, Andrea Mitchell Kelly; her granddaughter, Joline Jeffrey-Washington; her sisters: Anna Katherine Shannon, Shirley Raye Wilson Dillard, and Paula Lofton; and her brothers: Lavon Wilson, Lafayette Wilson, Ben Wilson, and L.C. Kelly.

Helen Ludine Mitchell’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, resilience, and faith. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

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