Helen Bridges (Harrell) Claude

Remembering Helen...

Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

~Isaiah 40: 4-8

Today we pause to pay tribute to the LIFE, LOVE and LEGACY of Helen Bridges Harrell Claude, who was a loving, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.

Helen graced the earth with her beautiful presence on Monday, February 25, 1946. She was born to the parentage of the late James Edward Harrell and Edmonia Jordan Harrell in Margarettsville, North Carolina. Helen soon matured into a sweet and compassionate lady. Her education was obtained through the public schools of Northampton County; attending Seaboard Coates Elementary School, Jonesboro School and Gumberry High School. She furthered her studies at Halifax Community College of Weldon, North Carolina, where she obtained her certification in Early Childhood Education.

Helen began her career in education with Rural Day Care Association of Northeastern North Carolina. She later worked at Seaboard Coates Elementary School as a Teacher’ Aide; Weldon City Schools as a Teacher’s Assistant and lastly at McDonald’s.

Helen believed in God; the Father Almighty, who created heaven and earth. She possessed strong faith in Christ and did not waiver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, always acknowledging his presence. Having God as an integral part of her upbringing, she accepted Christ as her Lord and savior early in life and joined the old Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Margarettsville, North Carolina.

On August 27, 1966, Helen united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, Matthew ‘Buddy’ Claude. Realizing that husband and wife ought to work, as well as, worship together, to bring glory to God, Helen decided to unite in Christian fellowship with the Garden of Prayer of Portsmouth, Virginia, under the pastorate of Bishop Levi Willis. She later returned to her roots, rejoining Mount Zion, under the pastorate of Rev. Abraham I. Walton, Sr., where her spiritual gifts were nurtured and love for God deepened. She served her church faithfully and was a member of the Senior Choir.

As a compassionate and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she found great joy in spending quality time with her family who she loved dearly. Her hobbies included: cooking for her family, sewing, gardening and nurturing plants back to good health.

Early Saturday morning, October 23, 2021; after a brief period of illness, God plucked a beautiful flower to add to his heavenly bouquet. Helen was escorted to the gates of heaven by one of the angels to join her family that preceded her in death: her parents; children, Lorie Ann Claude and Sharonda Walton and siblings, William James Harrell, Sandra Mason and Sheila Washington.

Her sweet spirit, caring heart and generosity will long be remembered by all those whose lives she touched. We who remain, struck by the bitter pain of death, but satisfied with the promise made by God, that He would wipe all tears from our eyes are:  her husband, Matthew Claude of the home; children, Kenneth Claude of Margarettsville, North Carolina, Benjamin Claude (Latoya) of Norfolk, Virginia and Nicole Claude of Margarettsville, North Carolina; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Julia Griffin (WT) of Manassas, Virginia, Sylvia Sharp (Ronald) of Ahoskie, North Carolina, Marion Tann and Winfred Harrell (Queenie) both of Margarettsvile, North Carolina and Monica P. Keeling (Mark) of Branchville, Virginia; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.   

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit  Mrs. Claude's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of  Mrs. Helen Bridges Harrell Claude.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

***TO ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY,

PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED***

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen Bridges (Harrell) Claude, please visit our floral store.