Helen C. Street

Helen C. Street was born to James Elmer Brady and Harriet Clementine Purnell Brady on September 30, 1921 in Milford, Delaware. She departed this life on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Christiana Hospital, Newark, Delaware surrounded by her children.

She attended early education in Milford, Delaware. Because of segregation, Helen moved to Wilmington, Delaware to attend and graduate from the prestigious Howard High School in 1939. Shortly afterward, she met the late Howard C. Street Sr. They were united in holy matrimony before his departure to service in World War II. Throughout his years in service she traveled with her husband on military assignments which very few did in that time. To this union of 75+ years, they were blessed with four children: Michael, The Twins-Sharon and Sheila, and Howard Jr. Helen was a wonderful home maker while raising her children during their tender years.

Helen was employed as an elevator operator for the DuPont Company and retired when the elevator became automated and to also raise her young family. Later, she tenured paraprofessional teaching positions in both private (Anna Grinnage Kindergarten Home Day Care) and the Wilmington Public School systems, appointed as Teacher Assistant for The Follow Through Program, the Red Clay Consolidated School District for St. Anthony of Padua School Reading Program, and the Shortlidge School until her second retirement in 1987. Additionally, Helen was a graduate of the University of Delaware Child Development Certificate Program.

Helen, with her quiet spirit, had more than enough love which overflowed in caring for her nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends, community, and the church. She was a mother, friend, and comforter to all who knew her.

Her hobbies included embroidery, gardening, and reading.

Helen enjoyed her family and her home. She was the matriarch of the family upon the passing of her husband and continued not only to be a pillar for her family, but to the community and the church. Active in the community as well, she held membership on the Peoples Settlement, Inc., Parent Board during Jim Sill’s tenure as director. Also, she served as a member of the Eastside Community in Action. Before her mother’s passing, together they attended programs and participated on day trips at Salvation Army. To keep herself involved in her later years, faithfully she awaken early every Tuesday through Thursday to attend the Elwyn Adult Day Care Program (Senior Reflections) via the DART First State Paratransit.

She was faithful to the historic Ezion UMC at 9th and French Streets and through the merger with Mount Carmel located at 10th and Lombard Streets, united and now located at 800 N. Walnut Street, known now as the Ezion-Mt Carmel United Methodist Church. She worshiped as an active member under many pastors to whom, even throughout her golden years, she diligently supported. Helen also supported and was faithful to activities of the church including the Youth Ministry, the Care Program, and attending services even up unto the Sunday before her passing.

She was preceded in death by her husband, the late Howard C. Street Sr., her mother Harriet C. Purnell Brady, her siblings; Roma Hall, James Brady Sr., Leatrice Moorman, and Harold Brady. Surviving Helen are her 4 children: Michael, Sharon (Andre Sr.), Sheila, and Howard Jr.; her sister, Grace McKenzie; her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, and many relatives, friends, and a life-long family friend, Elizabeth Harris Saffold.

The Lord’s Prayer along with the 23rd Psalm served as Helen’s favorite biblical inspiration. Graciously, her earthly journey of 98 years is a true testament of God’s tender loving care.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday November 3, 2019 at 5Pm, Ezion Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, 800 N. Walnut Street Wilmington, DE 19801, viewing only 3-4:45 pm. Interment, Israel United Methodist Church Cemetery.