Celebration Of Life ForLady

Helen James Haynes StephensSunrise SunsetNovember 13, 1929 May 3, 2014

Service Held

Wednesday, May 14, 2014 - 10:00 A.M.BEEBE MEMORIAL CATHEDRAL

3900 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, California 94609Officiating

Bishop Gordon A. Humphrey Jr.

Service Held

Wednesday, May 14, 2014 - 10:00 A.M.BEEBE MEMORIAL CATHEDRAL

3900 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, California 94609Officiating

Bishop Gordon A. Humphrey Jr.

HELEN JAMES HAYNES STEPHENS

“ R e m e m b e r i n g H e r L i f e “HELEN JAMES HAYNES STEPHENS was born November 13, 1929 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the very proud parents of James Haynes, her father, and Idell Julia Albertha LaMott Haynes, her mother. She was the only child born to this union.

Helen’s father, James Haynes was born June 21, 1887 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. His life expired on July 5, 1960 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is buried in Providence Memorial Park, Kenner, Louisiana. Her mother, Idell Haynes was born May 29, l898 in West Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She departed this life on May 6, 1997 in Richmond, California. She is buried in Rolling Hills Memorial Park, Richmond, California.

The only grandparent that Helen knew was her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Ella Jones, known as Grandma Ella. Her date of birth was unknown. Her demise came in 1974 in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. She, too, is buried in Providence Memorial Park, Kenner, Louisiana.

Helen’s father-in-law was George Stephens, born August 6, 1894 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He departed his life July 17, 1979 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is buried aside his wife, Helen’s mother-in-law, Juanita Liggens Stephens, born October 15, 1902 in Vacherie, Louisiana, departing this life on December 7, 1955 in New Orleans. Both father-in-law and mother-in-law are buried in Providence Memorial Park, Kenner, Louisiana.

In the year 1939, at the age of nine, Helen was baptized at the First Evangelist Baptist Church in New Orleans by the Rev. A. A. Gundy. Helen began piano lessons at age four. Her music ministry began at age thirteen with her first pianist position. The following is a list of her pianist and directress positions while living in New Orleans from 1942 to 1953:

Loving Four Tabernacle BC; Rev. E. L. Cooper; New Orleans, LA Crescent Straight Life BC; Rev. Daniel Hawkins; New Orleans, LA Pilgrim Rest BC; Rev. C. A. Duncan; New Orleans, LA First Evangelist BC; Rev. J. L. Spears; New Orleans, LA Ebenezer BC; Rev. Lawrence Landrum, Jr.; New Orleans, LA

On Wednesday, June 21, 1950, Helen was united in holy matrimony to her husband of 59 years, Arnold E. Stephens at the First Evangelist Baptist Church, 1804 Willow Street in New Orleans. The ceremony was officiated by the late Rev. J. L. Spears. To their union, three children were born, Reginold James Stephens in 1951, Rene Jerome Stephens in 1954, and Rosalyn Johnita Stephens in 1956.

In 1953, Arnold and Helen departed Louisiana headed for Oakland, California in hopes of a life free of blatant discrimination and racism, which prevailed in the South. Having no monies or reserved funds, they took residence above the Solid Rock Baptist Church in West Oakland. Helen had been offered a choir director position by the pastor, the late Rev. C. A. Washington, also of New Orleans, Louisiana.

After demanding that Arnold send her back to New Orleans because she did not like Oakland, Helen’s father turned her right around and sent her back to Oakland. Arnold was working quite hard, attempting to make California their home, so Helen’s father thought she should be helping Arnold. Upon her return, they took residence with a dear couple from the Solid Rock Baptist Church who had no children, Deacon & Mrs. Johnnie Smith. Now both deceased, they welcomed Arnold, Helen, and Reginold with love, warmth, and open arms into their home on 55th Street in Oakland. They later became Reginold’s godparents.

Mrs. Stephens immediate family tree is as follows:Children: Reginold James Stephens born May 20, 1951 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Son). Married to Lynette Hawkins Stephens. Rene Jerome Stephens born February 12, 1954 in Oakland, California (Son). Married to Bernether Lee Stephens. Rosalyn Johnita Stephens born December 4, 1956 in Richmond,California (Daughter). Married to Al Lanier. Grandchildren: DeAna Lanier, Denise Lanier, Michael Stephens, Randi Richard and husband James Richard II, Raina Stephens, Antonio Campbell and wife Chanette Campbell Great Grandchildren: Rene Lamply, Miles Lamply, LeAna Hunter, Nathan Stone, Jamal Stone, Christian Stone, Michael Stephens, Jr., Jahmyl Stephens, Jaydah Richard, Jaymie Richard, Komarii Jackson, Antonio Campbell III, and Cristian Campbell

Sister-In-Law’s: Mildred Stephens LeBant born June 14, 1920 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She passed April 21, 1992 in New Orleans. She is buried in Providence Memorial Park, Kenner, Louisiana. She was the mother of eleven. Eloise Stephens Louis born April 7, 1923 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is the mother of seven. Geraldine Stephens Lewis born March 14, 1930 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She passed March 2012 in New Orleans. She was the mother of six.

The following is a list of the churches where Helen has served as pianist and/or director since residing in California from 1953 to the present:

Solid Rock BC; Rev. C. A. Washington; Oakland, CA Progressive BC; Rev. Edward Stovall & Rev. Earl Stuckey; Berkeley, CA Mt. Zion Spiritual Temples, Inc.; King Louis H. Narcisse; Oakland, CA Antioch BC; Rev. Robert T. George; Oakland, CA Olivet Institutional MBC; Rev. Gordon A. Humphrey; Oakland, CA St. Rest BC; Rev. Chester Riggins; Fresno, CA Everett Chapel AME Church; Pastor Bernard Benson; Oakland, CA

California Baptist State Convention, Director of Music 1959-1971 Rev. Dr. S. M. Lockridge, President

Helen’s education was obtained through the following institutions: Graduated Booker T. Washington High School – June 1946; New Orleans, Louisiana Graduated Dillard University – June 1949; New Orleans, Louisiana National Baptist Women Ministers Convention, Inc. – May 2004 Honorary Degree of “Doctor of Ministry”

Helen Stephens began “expanding her borders” in the late 1960’s with her membership in the Gospel Music Workshop of America, founded by the late Rev. James Cleveland, now headed by Bishop Albert Jamison of Brooklyn, New York. Helen, Ms. Fran Harden, and Ms. Sherline Hall McCoy traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as the Stephens Singers. This was the third convention of GMWA. They went by personal invitation from the Rev. Cleveland.This began a forty year musical journey that has taken Helen criss-crossing the United States of America, and to Japan. The GMWA inspired Helen and Fran to organize a community choir known as the Voices of Christ from Berkeley, California. This choir traveled to the Gospel Music Workshop and many other places from 1972 to 1988. At the time the Voices of Christ ceased attending the convention as a choir, the Northern California Chapter of GMWA began traveling to the workshop and does so to this day. The following is a list of recordings from the several community choirs and groups that Helen instructed, directed, played, and sang with from 1965 to the present. THE STEPHENS SINGERS of Berkeley, California; 1965 THE VOICES OF CHRIST from Berkeley, California; 1969 “Somehow I Can Sing” “Fill My Cup” “Beams of Heaven” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” “I’m Glad” “Gotta Move On” “Until Whenever and Through Whatever” “Wounded For Me” GOSPEL MUSIC WORKSHOP OF AMERICA – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER; 1970 “Breathe On Me” with Southern California Chapter “Wait On The Lord” “Victory Is Mine” with Dorothy Norwood “Created For Worship” THE LIGHTHOUSE SINGERS of Marin County; 1978 “See The Glorious Light” “Lighthouse Singers – The Music of Steven Roberts” HJHS served professionally as a music instructor at the following institutions of education: California State University at Hayward 1975-1981 Family Light Music School of Marin County 1976-1978 College of Marin 1982-2000 Dominican College 1993-1998 West Contra Costa County Unified School District 2003-2005

Helen was very committed and dedicated to her bereavement ministry. She thought it an honor and a duty to provide quality music for homegoing services. She played or sang at hundreds of funerals. Her bereavement ministry included music services, upon request, to the following mortuaries from 1957 to 2000: Harris Funeral Home; Berkeley, California Jackson Funeral Home; Oakland, California Fouche’s Hudson Funeral Home; Oakland, California Pollard & Sons; Oakland, California

She rendered community service to the Marin County Art Council from 1992 - 1994, and the Eddie Walker, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Over the years, Helen J. H. Stephens presented, in live concert, many choirs and singers to the Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco communities. Some of these artists were: The Raymond Raspberry Singers, Professor Alex Bradford, Evangelist Mattie Moss Clark, Rev. Joseph D. Litton and the Progressive Baptist Church Choir, the O’Neal Twins, Rev. Isaac Douglas, the Voices Supreme, Myrna Summers and the Interdenominational Community Choir, the Institutional COGIC Radio Choir, Ms. Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Rev. James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir, and BC & S, not naming all.

In her lifetime, Mrs. Stephens received more than 225 (as last counted by Arnold and Reginold) resolutions, awards, plaques, and accommodations from many cities, counties, state assemblies, state senates, the United States Congress, and the White House. She received keys to the cities of Camden, Arkansas; New Orleans, Louisiana; and New York, New York.

Helen and Arnold had an extended family of sons, daughters, sisters, and brothers that are very close and dear to them. They are Mr. & Mrs. Richard Norman of Fresno, Mr. & Mrs. Keith Howard, Torivia Whiten, A. J. Reed of Killeen, TX, Aaron Woodson, Timothy Phillips of Portland, Willie Binns, of Portland, Rodena Preston Williams of Los Angeles, Frank Williams, Jr. of Los Angeles, Mildred Williams of New Orleans, Tammie Miles, Tanya Jarvis, Phyllis Kinimaka, the late Judith Sapinski, Lydia Haggerty, Ann Gold, and Louise Franz.

Having many, many friends and musical associates from across the country, Helen’s close musical family is inclusive of Minister Steven Roberts, Minister Tim Poston, Minister Tom Hansbrough, Minister Maverick Howard, Minister Kevan Peabody, Minister Ulis Redic, and Minister Patrick Bradley of Dallas, Texas.

This document summarizes the dedicated and committed life of LADY HELEN JAMES HAYNES STEPHENS ministry of music.

Helen J.H. StephensCELEBRATION OF LIFE

“Farewell To Mother”Wednesday – May 14, 2014 – 10:00AM

MUSICAL PRELUDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parting View

PROCESSIONAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ministers and Family – Lead byBishop James Adams

Pastor, St. JohnMetropolitan Bible

Church of Miami, FL

PRAISE SELECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor Desmond Pringle

MINISTER OF CEREMONIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bishop Gordon A. Humphrey Pastor, Shiloh M B Church

of Chicago, Illinois

SCRIPTURESOld Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor George Murray

City of Refuge Tabernacle COGIC of Oakland, CA

New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev. Gregory Hunter, PastorOlivet Institutional BC of Oakland, CA

PRAYER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bishop Charles E. DickersonPastor, Anew Pearly Grove Full Gospel BC of Fresno, CA

MUSICAL SELECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Northern California Chapter – GMWA Directed by Minister Steven Roberts

EXPRESSIONS OF FRIENDS (3 minutes each) . . . . . . . Ms. Torivia Whiten of Sacramento, CA Mr. Frank Williams, Jr of Los Angeles, CA

Mr. A. J. Reed of Killeen, TX

OBITUARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Please Read At Your Convenience)

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS OF CARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lady Connie Joseph

MUSICAL SELECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Helen J. H. Stephens – Young Adult Voices Directed by Minister Jeffrey Williams

SPECIAL EXPRESSIONS (3 minutes each) . . . . . . . . Lady Rodena Preston of Los Angeles, CA Minister Patrick Bradley of Dallas, TX

Mrs. Laura Howard of Lafayette, CA

MUSICAL SELECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lighthouse Singers of Marin County – Alumni Directed by Ms. Deborah Rae Thompson

PASTORAL EXPRESSIONS (3 minutes each) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev. Dr. Charley Hames, Jr. Pastor, Beebe Memorial Cathedral – Oakland, CA

Rev. A. Wayne JohnsonPastor, Morning Star BC – Portland, OR

Dr. Gregory PaytonPastor, Greater St. John M B C – Oakland, CA

Bishop Yvette A. Flunder Pastor, City of Refuge UCC – Oakland, CA

Bishop Keith L. Clark Pastor, Word Assembly Family of Churches – Oakland, CA

MUSICAL SELECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voices of Christ Directed by Parrish Thompson

RESOLUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lady Nona Brown

FAMILY REFLECTIONS (3 minutes each) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denise Lanier – Granddaughter Mrs. Sylvia Norman – Daughter In The Lord

SERMONIC HYMN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minister Edwin Hawkins

EULOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bishop Albert L. Jamison, Sr. Chairman, Gospel Music Workshop of America

Pastor, Pleasant Grove Full Gospel Tabernacle Brooklyn, New York

CLOSING OF THE BRIER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reginold, Rene, and Rosalyn

RECESSIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

InternmentRolling Hills Memorial Park

Richmond, CA Burial Service Officiated by

Rev. A. Wayne Johnson

Back CoverInformation Needed

PallbearersMr. Antonio Matier Mr. Aaron WoodsonMr. Iras Keith Comeaux Mr. Corvin TademyMr. Hank Dunn Mr. Stephen Johnson

Helen James Haynes StephensC e l e b r a t i o n o f L i f e

AcknowledgementsFuneral Arrangements Entrusted To: C. P. Bannon Mortuary

Coordinator of Services: Dr. Kenneth Hall

Publicist: Ms. Denisha Delane; FAITH IN THE BAY

Program Layout and Printing: MemoriesINK, Inc.

Photography: Mr. Ron Boston

Floral Arrangements: Ms. Helen Granger

Mother’s Home Church: OLIVET INSTITUTIONAL BAPTIST CHURCH Bishop Gordon H. Humphrey; Pastor Greg Hunter

Funeral Venue: BEEBE MEMORIAL CATHEDRAL Rev. Dr. Charley Hames, Jr.; Senior Pastor

Mother’s Doctor: Dr. H. Geoffrey Watson

Home Health Care provided by: HORIZON HOME HEALTH

Hospice Care provided by: ACE HOSPICE

SPECIAL THANKS EXPRESSED TO: Mrs. Laura Howard Ms. Gloria Cobb Ms. Gloria Carter Ms. Yolanda Clark Ms. Tammie Miles Ms. Mabel White Ms. Tanya Jarvis Pastor George Murray Pastor Benjamin Blackmon Deacon Rodney Green Mrs. Karen Dumas

I Have A Place In HeavenPlease don’t sing sad songs for me, forget your grief and fears,

for I am in a perfect place, away from pain and tears.

I’m far away from hunger, and hurt and want and pride.I have a place in heaven, with the Master at my side.

My life on earth was very good, as earthly life can go,but paradise is so much more than anyone can know …

My heart is filled with happiness, and sweet rejoicing too,to walk with God is perfect peace a joy forever new.

I Have A Place In HeavenPlease don’t sing sad songs for me, forget your grief and fears,

for I am in a perfect place, away from pain and tears.

I’m far away from hunger, and hurt and want and pride.I have a place in heaven, with the Master at my side.

My life on earth was very good, as earthly life can go,but paradise is so much more than anyone can know …

My heart is filled with happiness, and sweet rejoicing too,to walk with God is perfect peace a joy forever new.