On Saturday, January 7, 2023, Helen Grace Williams Wilson, the eldest daughter of the late James and Alberta Teague Williams, transitioned from labor to reward. She was born on June 26, 1935, in Dumas, Arkansas, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri.
After graduating from high school, the family relocated to New Haven, Connecticut. Helen enrolled in the Modern School of Hairdressing where she learned the mechanics of hairdressing. Soon afterward, she began her career at Mamie Jones Salon, in the Dixwell neighborhood. After several years she joined the staff at Brownie’s Hair Salon in Newhallville, where she became a master stylist and pioneer in the art of hair making and hair weaving.
In 1970, Helen decided to join her family in Los Angeles, California and quickly joined the staff of Betty’s House of Beauty. After establishing herself in the Los Angeles area as a master stylist, she opened her own salon, Helen’s Hair Design. Soon afterward, she married Woodrow “Woody” Wilson, and they were blessed to celebrate 39 years of marriage.
Helen’s career spanned more than fifty years; she was one of the most sought-after and innovative stylists in Los Angeles and New Haven. She was known for her signature style, ability to transform any head and for providing a professional service to all.
She began her walk with Christ as a young adult at Trinity Temple COGIC in New Haven, upon her relocation to Los Angeles, she became a member of West Angeles COGIC. Helen returned to New Haven in 2000 and resumed her membership at Trinity Temple COGIC.
Helen loved, and supported her family, especially her many nieces and nephews. She enjoyed shopping, traveling, fine dining and exquisite jewelry. Helen was a kindhearted sister to her brothers and sisters, but her mother was her world.
Her memory will be cherished by her sister, Dorothy J. Little; 3 sisters-in-law, Marilyn, Dorothy and Vivian Williams; 22 nieces, namely, Dale and Michele Little and Robin Miller-Godwin; 18 nephews and a host of grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins and friends.
She was predeceased by her sister, Ruby Barnwell and ten brothers, Jesse, Robert, Joe, L.C., Dennis, Sherman, Cleophus, Alonzo, Verlyn and Maurice Williams; 3 nieces and 3 nephews.
A celebration of Mrs. Wilson’s life and legacy will be held Friday, January 13, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Macedonia Church, 151 Newhall St., New Haven. A viewing will be held at the church from 10:00-11:00 A.M. The burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed via the following link: https://youtu.be/kelmlc0dR6g
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On behalf of cousin Bernestine (Jackson) Howard in California, we send prayers of condolences during this time of bereavement. May God be the comforter and bestow his grace upon the family. We LOVE you dearly. Always, Bernestine, Vanessa, Jeff, Tyrone, Jewel, Jordan & Jaelynn
I was very saddened to learn about the loss of my aunt Helen.
May her Soul Rest in Peace with the Lord. According to Romans 14:8 “If we live, we live for the the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to God”.
My condolences to the Teague and Williams Family at the time, from Marsha Kevin Jr and Christine Stanford you will be missed Aunt Helen.
Helen was a beautiful person. I loved her and she was truly a mentor and role model. My aunt Frances Harrison always spoke of Helen as being an upcoming successful beautician. She excelled to the highest in that field. She will be missed but we know God had a better place for her. God bless you all.