Helen E. Loper

Very quietly and peacefully on Thursday, April 4, 2024, almighty God in His infinite wisdom, gently closed the eyes of our beloved matriarch, Helen Ernestine Loper as she entered into eternal rest surrounded by loved ones. Helen, affectionally known as “Babe,” was born in Chester, Pennsylvania on July 27, 1932 to the late Ernest and Helen Saunders. Helen attended the Chester Public School System and graduated from Chester High School in 1950. Helen was a civil service employee with the United States Government for over thirty-seven years. She began her career in finance with the Marine Corps as an accounting technician and later retired in 1993 as Deputy Comptroller. Helen was a proud lifetime member of St. Paul CME Church. She served the Lord in various roles while attending St. Paul. She served as Chairperson of the Board of Stewards, Church Treasurer, Recording Steward, Women’s Day President in 1991 and 2002, and president of the Gospel Choir for many years. Helen was also a member of the Board of Christian Education, the Food Ministry, the St. Paul Mass Choir, and the Missionary Society serving as the spiritual life and mission secretary. She was a person who loved to worship! You could always witness her praising God saying, “Oh, I thank you Lord” or “God is so good.” Other past auxiliaries include the R.T. Johnson Mass Choir, Administrative Council, Management and Development Committee, the Wilcox Club, and the Building Fund Committee. She served on the District Finance Committee and assisted on the Annual Conference Registration Committee. In her community she served as the President of AARP Chapter #4083, Philadelphia, and volunteered with the West Philadelphia Alliance for children (WEPAC). Anyone who knew Helen knew that she was an absolute fighter. In 2011, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Only about 8.5% of patients with this disease live 5 years after their diagnosis, but Helen’s resiliency and faith defied the odds. To God be the Glory, Helen survived and thrived for 13 years. Despite her condition, you never heard her complain. When asked how she was doing, she would respond, “I’m doing pretty good, how are you?” Helen was the Matriarch of her family and the glue that held everyone together. Helen loved her family and would always preach the importance of family. She learned this from her parents and instilled it in others. In her younger years she would host Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, as well as the annual New Year’s Day dinner at her parents. When you were in Helen’s presence, she had a way about her that made you feel special. She was the kind of person who loved you without judgment and would encourage you not to give up. However, she would hold you accountable in love and had no problem telling you when you were wrong. When she would hear strange news, or you’d tell her something funny she would respond one of two ways. She would shake her head and say, “LORD JESUS!” or she would look directly at you and say, “OH MY!”. If she wasn’t at church, you would find Helen at home entertaining guests or watching her favorite TV shows -- The Equalizer, The Young and the Restless, The View and Dancing with the Stars. She also enjoyed relaxing in her recliner while doing her crossword puzzles and reading the newspaper until it was time for her and Denise to take a nap! Helen is preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Helen Saunders, her brother Donald E. Saunders (aka Poochie), and a very special friend and father to her children Benjamin J. Loper. Helen leaves behind to mourn and cherish loving memories, her siblings Shirley J. Ginn of Atlanta GA, Carolyn S. Brandon of Chester PA, Tracy G. Saunders (Rev. Elaine C) of Boothwyn PA, and Maxine C. Ross of Williamsport PA; her children who she adored Denise Loper, Jaye Howard (Rob), Ladd Sr. (Kim) and Kelee Collins, all of Philadelphia PA; sister-in-law Clementine Saunders of Brookhaven PA; 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her devoted church family. Helen’s favorite songs were, We Shall Behold Him, Total Praise, and Stand by Donnie McClurkin. Her favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding, in all thy ways, acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path." Helen, take your rest, you’ve earned it after 91 years of living. You have gone from labor to reward; well done, thy good and faithful servant. Helen was larger than life and that impact made a difference with everyone she knew. She was the gem amongst gems and truly will be missed by all!

Helen E. Loper

July 27, 1932 - April 4, 2024