Obituary of Helen L Fernanders

Fernanders, Helen (Brown) was born on July 23, 1931 in Camden NJ to Lelia Brown and John Hoxter. She was adopted by Fannie McCall. She resided between Camden and Philadelphia, graduating from Kensington High School in 1951. She eventually learned that her mother (Fannie's) "friend" was her mother Lelia and a mother-daughter relationship was formed. Lelia died of cancer at a young age, leaving Helen behind. Fannie McCall and Helen continued their relationship as mother and daughter until Fannie's death in 1973. Helen worked as a counter person for Horn and Hardart restaurant in Philadelphia as a young teen. She married Cecil Green and Bernadette, her first child was conceived in 1958. Eventually Helen and Cecil divorced, and Helen married Clarence Fernanders in 1960. From this marriage Carlton (1961), Marcia (1963), Cheryl (1965), and Benita (1970). Helen worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for approximately 30 years, having worked at West Jersey-Virtua, in Camden, and Ancora State Hospital from which she retired after 20 years, when her health became fragile. Helen loved reading and learning about her great, great uncle, Dr. James Still, the "Black Doctor of the Pines" and his brother William Still of the Underground Railroad. Helen read every newspaper article and book written on the Still family, and enjoyed participating in the Still Family Reunions when she was able. Helen also loved the Church, having accepted Christ as her personal savior from a very young age. Helen loved to sing, and spent many years on church choirs. Helen attended Grant AME until her health no longer allowed. Helen also loved the color purple, not the movie, but the color. Helen loved people; she always had a smile and a story for family and friends. Mostly Helen loved to see her family all get together. Helen and Clarence lived in Camden until 1977, when they moved to Chesilhurst. Her daughter Marcia passed away in 1984, shortly after giving birth to Helen's granddaughter Tracy. Helen raised Tracy as her own child. Clarence Fernanders passed away in 1995. Helen was predeceased by her mothers Lelia and Fannie, daughter Marcia, her husband Clarence, and her grandson Kasim Dale. Helen is survived by her daughter, Bernadette (Jerrie), her son Carlton (Jill), her daughter Cheryl, and her daughter Benita (Tim). She also leaves behind her granddaughters Tracy (Mike), Khisa (Nelson), Klisha. Grandsons Karise (Mary), Ryan, Stephen, and Shane. Great-grandchildren, Tahj, Zaden, Jannalyse, Kasim Jr., Amir, Arissa, Ayla, Starla, Sky, and Julian. Brother in-law Charles Fernanders (Louise) who have been faithful friends and family. Helen also leaves behind an "adopted son", Jose Rodriguez, affectionately known as Tito. She is also survived by an "adopted daughter" Angie from the Kennedy Hospital Dialysis Center and Doctor Virginia Irwin-Obregon of Kennedy Hospital. They have taken care of Helen for many years and she truly loved both of them as if they were her family.