Patricia Gilliam Clifford
By Patricia Gilliam Clifford
Helen O. Thompson was born on August 6, 1914 in North Hills, PA. She is the second of five siblings born to William and Julia Thompson.
At an early age Helen was baptized by Reverend Brandon of Antioch Baptist Church in North Hills. She completed her education in nearby Oreland. Helen moved to Philadelphia when she was sixteen years old. Just two years later she met and fell in love with Eugene James. From that union six children were born – Gwendolyn, Randolph, Eugene, Helen, Gail and Sharleen.
In addition to raising her beautiful family, Helen has held various jobs throughout the years. Her most rewarding job was working at Albert Einstein Hospital where she retired after twenty years of dedicated employment.
“Helen loves, trusts and prays to her Lord and Savior Christ and loves the two Philadelphia churches she has had the pleasure of calling home. Those churches are Zion Baptist Church where she loved hearing the sermons of the late Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan and Gibson Temple Baptist Church where the Rev. She also worships the Lord through gospel music, radio ministries and joyfully watching the live streamline services from Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church.
Helen has been pleased to see her family tree grow to include 5 generations extending from her. She currently has a total of 76 family members. There are 6 children (1 deceased son, Eugene), 10 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 28 great-great grandchildren and 6 great-great-great grandchildren.
Helen loves her family gatherings and holiday celebrations. As the family matriarch, she is held in the highest esteem and is showered her with love, respect, adoration and honor. In addition to family worship she enjoys playing pinochle visiting the casino. Helen loves to play BINGO and Pinochle and is quite competitive. She is blessed with a strong mind and good health.
Helen is the proud recipient of a congratulatory birthday letter from President Barack Obama. She was thrilled to know that a special letter from Congressman Dwight Evans is forthcoming as a result of him seeing her on a local television program recently.
Happy birthday and continued blessings are wished to Helen O. Thompson!
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