Obituary of Helena D. James

Helena D. James, 78, of Long Pond, died Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg. She is survived by her sons: Moses Eloi and Garnet Marshall; daughters: Murium Lawrence and Mitchaeline Marshall-Riviere and her six grandchildren. There will be a viewing from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 24 at Bolock Funeral Home, 6148 Paradise Valley Road. The Reverend Mervin Stewert will conduct a service at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 25 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Stroudsburg Cemetery. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. ~Galatians 5:22-23~ We are gathered here today in the memory of Ms. Helena Decima James. Together we can share the joy that she was to us. While the death of a loved one inevitably leaves a sense of loss and pain, instead of mourning, we choose to celebrate who and what she meant to us. Helena was born on December 5, 1936 in Mahaut, Dominica. She surrendered her life to her savior Jesus Christ in 1977. She brought her children to church and introduced them to Jesus Christ and taught them to love the Lord, each other and their fellowmen. She knew that "prayer availeth much" and trusted God in all aspects of her life. She worshipped at the Bronx Church of God Seventh Day and was a member of the choir. I was introduced to Helena by her daughter Mitcheline approximately 20 years ago. My first thought was what a tall lady. My second thought was, what a warm and open individual. Helena welcomed me with a smile that radiated through her entire face. The smile extended to an embrace and a kiss as if we were old friends. As time went on and our relationship grew, even if she already had two beautiful daughters, Helena would still say to me , "Look at my beautiful daughter". I was touched by her loving heart that allowed her to welcome me as family. She was a woman that truly loved everyone. For such a tall and graceful lady, Helena spoke very softly. She was a gifted storyteller, recounting wonderful stories of her life in Dominica with such vivid detail, you could imagine yourself as her neighbor or childhood friend. You would unconsciously lean in, giving her your undivided attention making sure you missed nothing she said. Helena loved to read books of all genres, but her favorite book was the bible. Helena loved to dance. Her children would share with others how the older folks back home would recount what a great dancer their mom was. At private family gatherings, she struggled not to wiggle in her seat when the music was playing. She would bob her head, then her shoulders would begin to roll back and forth. Most times, unable to contain herself, she would jump out of her chair with a smile on her face and dance like the young lady she was many years ago in Dominica. Almost as suddenly as she started, Helena would stop dancing and say, "I'm not supposed to dance to that type of music anymore, but can't help it. I love it.". Helena's life truly embodied the fruits of the spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23. Her unparalleled ability to love, forgive and show compassion is Helena's legacy, which lives on through her children and grandchildren. My wish for her family is that you will be comforted by the stanza from her favorite song “It Is Well With My Soul” because your mother has gone on to be with her Lord.