“Don’t worry about me. I’ve prayed to Jehovah, and I am at peace. I just want to close my eyes and go to sleep, just like so many others have done before me. I want to close my eyes, go to sleep, and wake up in Jehovah’s new system of things. So, don’t you worry about me. I want you to help the sick. Do just as those who have been helping me. Don’t you worry about me.” These are the words Helen Styles, also affectionately known as Mama Styles, told her daughter, Nerita Elaine, so that she would not deeply mourn after her mother was gone. The hope of being resurrected to live forever in Jehovah’s Paradise Earth when no resident will say, “I am sick,” strengthened and comforted Mama Styles to the end. John 5:28, 29; Psalms 37:11; Isaiah 33:24

Helen Styles was a loving, peaceful, beautiful, self-sacrificing, God-fearing, mild, light-hearted, polite woman who loved hearing and observing God’s creation. She loved hearing and seeing children play. she smiled when hearing birds singing and seeing them eat her bird seeds, as they added joy to her day. She loved feeling the breeze on her skin while sitting on her swing under her tree, amazed at how big it had come to be, and proud that it was with her very own hands that she planted it when it was just a little baby. She loved sitting on her porch all day long, enjoying the sun as it would shine on her face, while she gazed down the field and took naps while sitting in her favorite corner. She loved for people to drop by to visit and share funny stories. She cherished when friends stopped by and read the Bible, watched JW.org videos with her, and engaged in encouraging faith-strengthening conversations. She loved hearing the sound of rain falling on her windowpane, as it also made her get deeper under the covers and sleep more peacefully. She loved feeling the thick lush grass while walking outside with bare feet, while she pulled weeds and planted flower seeds. This helped her adjust to moving back down south and leaving New York City. Let’s not forget Mama Styles’ occasional treats, a lollipop, a bag of Utz plain potato chips, a nice cold Coke, and chocolate or butter pecan ice cream. Above all, she looked forward to her morning cup of cold orange juice and her delicious hot cup of morning coffee. These are just a few simple things that made Mama Styles truly content and happy.

It was common for Helen Styles to express daily how thankful she was for all the gifts God gave her, including all the nice people she encountered throughout her day. She enjoyed talking about how thankful she was for the nice employees who worked at the stores she shopped at the most, like C-Town in Red Hook, Walmart in Rocky Mount, Food Lion on 301, Whitakers Dollar General, and the Whitakers’ corner store, where she often rode her bike when she was a little younger and stronger. Whenever she took trips, she would express how thankful she was for the Greyhound and Amtrak workers, especially those who gave her special attention as she became a little more and a little more part of senior citizenry. Since Helen did not drive, she was thankful for the respectable service she received from the Tar River Transit company, especially the drivers who ensured that she always got her favorite single seat. She was thankful for the care she received over the years from all the staff at the Rural Health Group Clinic in Whitakers, and Nash General Hospital in Rocky Mount. She was thankful for all the years she got her medicine from CVS Pharmacy in Rocky Mount on Benvenue Road.

But as of late, Helen was extremely thankful to McDowell Pharmacy in Scotland Neck for their delivery service and to FedEx for delivering her medicine. She was thankful to Idea Home Medical company for supplying and setting up her medical equipment. She was very thankful for her two in-home care ladies. She was thankful for the care she received from the staff at the UNC Cancer Care at Nash, the care she received from the staff while at The Carrolton of Nash Rehab, and of course, the care she received from all the staff at The Lodge Rehab, which she accepted as her beautiful home.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Last, but not least, Helen was thankful and enjoyed the laughter, love, care, and affection she received from her New York City and North Carolina neighbors, friends, and family. Their love continuously warmed her heart with expressive joy and was endearing to her to the very end.

Helen Styles never wanted anyone to worry about her as she faced any life challenges. After she did her best to deal with any situation, she would tell her daughter and others, “Now, I leave everything in the hands of Jehovah, and you should, too.”  

Although Helen Styles will be dearly missed, may the thought of her make us smile and fill our hearts with thankfulness because we were blessed to have had such a godly, beautiful, loving, peaceful person as a part of our lives.

Services to Celebrate Mrs. Styles Life and Legacy will begin with a public viewing, Thursday, March 27, 2025 and Friday, March 28, 2025 5 pm - 7 pm, in the Reposing Room of the S. Jones Funerals and Cremations.

A Memorial Service will be held 11 am Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 4263 Drapers Rd, Enfield, NC 27823.

Service can be viewed via Zoom:

Meeting ID-955-8261-9148

Passcode-512462