Services was held at Bayview Baptist Church 01/07/2025 at 11:00 AM. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.
Helen Grace (Griffin) Adams was born January 10, 1923, in Washington, D.C., to Susie Bell and Joseph Griffin. One of 7 children, two boys and five girls, Helen’s days were filled with family and church. She grew up attending Southern Baptist Church singing in the choir and participating in Baptist Training Union (BTU) for youth. Helen graduated from Cardozo High School. After graduation Helen went to work for the federal government as a clerk typist and held multiple positions over a 35-year period, ending her last federal job as a Program Analyst with the department of Health Education and Welfare (HEW) in Rockville, Maryland.
Helen met and married the love of her life, Gordon O. Adams, and had three children, Moses, Richard and Denise. Gordon was a military man (United States Airforce) and the family traveled the world. Traveling throughout Europe and Living in Madrid, Spain; Istanbul, Turkey and Fairbanks, Alaska. Helen returned to Washington, D.C. in 1967, and returned to work for the federal government while attending Federal City College. Helen joined New Samaritan Baptist where she was an active member once again joining the choir and became one of “The Golden Girls”. She and her sister (Esther) began singing with the James Cleveland Workshop Choir enjoyed traveling to various concerts in different cities.
Helen was a very social person; she loved spending time with family and friends, establishing an African American Women’s Club and joining Zeta Phi Beta sorority. On many Friday nights, she could be found playing cards and board games with her friends. She was known as a gracious hostess for get togethers with friends and family. After much encouragement and cajoling, Helen moved to San Diego, California, in the mid 2000’s to be closer to her daughter Denise, son-in-law Paul, and their 3 children; twins Jamala and Sy and Paul Gordon.
Helen was an active senior traveling with the family, and playing cards and Bingo on a weekly basis. Upon her move to San Diego Helen joined with Bayview Baptist Church becoming a member of the Silver Strands Senior group and the Chat and Chew social club.
Helen passed away on December 9, 2024.
