Helen Ruth Duncan made her debut on earth on August 12, 1956. Born and raised in her early years of life in New Madrid, Missouri from the union of Thomas Lee Duncan and Ruthie Lee Duncan. Helen was the second eldest of 9 children, which she shared a special bond with each. Helen, whom some also called “Rabbit” attended O’Bannon High in New Madrid and later John Marshall High School in Chicago once her mother decided to move to make a living for her family. Helen gave her life to Christ at a young age. Her church home has always been Greater Holy Temple Church of God and Christ (Elder Glen Washington) now Greater Holy Temple Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Earnest Hamilton and Pastor Sherrie Hamilton. They all held a special place in her heart as though she held one in theirs.

Helen was always given the role of a caretaker even at a young age as she would look after her siblings, other family members and many of their friends while “Mom” (as she would call her mother) would work. She also became a mom to her own two beautiful daughters in her young adult life, Angela who she called “Sherrisse” and Swhanna who she called “Wannie.” Her girls meant EVERYTHING to her. She was the BEST mom to her girls in their eyes and hearts, no one could change that. She shared a special bond with her nephew and nieces, Eric (Pistol), Yaminah (Yatti), and Danyella (Pop).

 Learning her skill to cook and bake great southern food and desserts for her growing family came easily, being that her mother was the best chef in the Midwest. She grew a passion for cooking, dancing, and singing her old school cuts. Her favorite thing to do was to watch black and white movies and tv shows. She loved to crochet and sew to make outfits from material she would find around the house. She was truly a jack of ALL trades.  

Helen’s life on earth took another path to heaven’s gates on Saturday, November 23, 2004, at 1:11pm. Helen was proceeded in the afterlife by both her parents Ruth and Thomas, her Grandparents Joe Lee and Alberta, her sister Sylvia, two nephews; Anthony and Danton and her best friend Theresa “Tee.” She leaves to continue her legacy with her two daughters Angela and Swhanna. Seven siblings, Rechell (Charles), Jerry, Donald, Edward, Bruce, Dana, and Sandra. Two granddaughters; DeVona and Alexus, one grandson; Cordero, two great grandsons; Omari and O’Siah, two God children Darvell and Corneilus, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.