"Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You believe in God, believe also in me." (John 14:1)

On August 31, 2024, the Most High called his daughter, Helen Young Claiborne peacefully into eternal rest.  She was the daughter of the late Smith O. Young, Sr.  and Marion Hale Young. She was born in Caroline County and completed her education in the Caroline County Public School System.

Helen gave her life to Christ at a young age.  She was baptized and received her early spiritual training at the Ebenezer Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend A.B. Smith.  As a member there she served on the Sanctuary and Mass Choirs, and at Vacation Bible School.  Later Helen served on the Deaconess Ministry under the leadership of Pastor Irving L. Woolfolk, Jr. until her health declined.

She was joined in matrimony to the late Eugene "Jack" Claiborne for 63 years. They were blessed with seven children.  They were committed to instilling in their children respect for others, a good work ethic and the importance of family.    Helen was preceded in death by one daughter, Jacqueline Kim, a son, Alphonso Eugene and a daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Claiborne.

Helen was blessed with the gift of singing and did so joyfully in the church, professionally and at home.  After her marriage, she attended Jericho Baptist Church where she sang in the Jericho Choir.   She was a member of the Jericho Trio, along with Lucy Wood and Doris Thomas.  On occasions they sang with the Clara Ward Singers and the Soul Stirrers featuring Sam Cooke. She was also a member of the Junior Minor Melodies Chorus under the leadership of the late Reverend Harry Minor.

Being a humble, quiet spirited woman, Helen never required much for herself.  She spent her life taking care of her children and anyone else's needs, fully operating in the gift of hospitality.   All were welcome at her home. Family was important to her and was made to feel welcome as well.  She enjoyed preparing meals whenever anyone visited.

Teaching her children about God was a priority in her life.  It was her practice to read Bible stories to them, also making sure they attended Sunday School and were baptized.  Daily she could be found on her knees praying and reading her Bible.  She was a godly example of the Proverbs 31 woman, who shared many testimonies of her praying and receiving numerous healings from God for her and her children.

Helen worked a variety of jobs which included the Community Grocery Store in Carmel Church, Virginia.  She was employed there until her husband's job required them to move to Charlotte, North Carolina.  She quickly found employment at the Historic McDonald's Cafeteria well known as a social hub for the West End's African- American Community. After relocating to Caroline County, prior to retirement she was employed in food service for the Caroline County Public school system, as a cafeteria worker at Bowling Green Elementary School.

Helen leaves to cherish her memory Rev. Shelva Clark (Purcell) of Caroline, Robin Reid (John) of Indiana, Janice Mickle (Marcus) of Henrico, Pastor Bruce and Dr. Darrick Claiborne (Tara) both of Caroline County; Daughter-in-law Anita Claiborne; Sister, Minister Yvonne Akins; Sisters-in-law Lucy Wood, Lillian Young, Elder Gwendolyn Young  and Regina Claiborne; Brother-in-law Larry Claiborne; nine grandchildren; Mario Reid (Jessica), Dr. Korin Brown (Nicholas), Dr. Keeanna Warren (Demetrius), Kristin Clark, Kelli Claiborne, Kara Claiborne, Kristina Mickle, Micah and Madison Claiborne; eight great- grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the Caroline Community Service Center, 17202 Richmond Turnpike, Milford, Virginia 22514 with a viewing one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow in Jericho Baptist Church Cemetery, 8435 Jericho Road, Ruther Glen, Virginia 22546.

Livestreaming will be available on C W Edwards Facebook page.