Helen Jean Anderson's Obituary
Helen Jean Anderson was born on September 8, 1930 to Flossie Mae and Henry Clay Bentley in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She was the fourth of five children. Helen moved with her family to Ivanho, CA in 1936 where the family picked cotton and fruit. In 1941, Helen moved with her family to Berkeley where her father worked as a machinist and her mother worked in an ammunition factory. It was here that she met the love of her life, Leo Anderson. They were married on April 2, 1948 at Golden Gate Baptist Church in Oakland, CA. To this union were born two sons, David and Ronald (Dusty) and a daughter, Christine. Helen found great joy in spending time with her husband – to whom she was married for 58 years, her children, and later grandsons, Andrew, Steven, Matthew and Patrick, and great grandchildren Angelina and Anthony.Helen first came to Dr. Patten’s ministry in 1948. She was involved with the Singing Girls’ Choir and was a member of the Sisters of Service and a graduate of the Shepherd Class along with Sis. Minerva. She served in many capacities in Christian Temple, now Christian Cathedral. Perhaps her greatest joy was when she worked as the school secretary when Sis. Moncher was the principal of Patten Academy. Helen loved to sew and used this talent to make baptismal robes for many years.Helen is remembered for her gift of setting a colorful, elegant table, and adding her special touch of creatively arranging flowers for many church dinners. Many of her flower arrangements are still used in a variety of facilities on campus.Helen embraced the words in Ecclesiastes 9:10 which reads; Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might. She was faithful in the service of the Lord as long as she was able to do so.Helen is survived by her brother, Johnny, two sons, David and Ronald (Dusty) one daughter, Christine; daughter-in-law Sharon; son-in-law, Peter; four grandsons, Andrew, Steven, Matthew, and Patrick and great grandchildren, Angelina and Anthony; nieces and nephews and many friends.Helen went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 28, 2016 at her daughter Christine’s home in Suisun City.Helen’s love of life was contagious. She was well loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.Visitation for family and friends will be Monday evening, April 4th at the Chapel of the Chimes at 32992 Mission Boulevard, Hayward, California from 5:00-8:00 pm. The service will be on Tuesday, April 5th, at the same location at 10:00 am.
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