Obituary of Helen Delores Rollins

Helen Delores Rollins, affectionately known as the Gorgeous Queen of Riverdale by her family, passed away suddenly on Monday, November 13th into the loving arms of her Savior. Born to the late Oby and Gladys Joyner on November 16, 1947 in Wilson, North Carolina, Helen was a treasured jewel to her family. She was educated in the Nash County school system and graduated from Frederick Douglas High School in Elm City, North Carolina in 1966. Helen fondly spoke of growing up in the “backwoods” of North Carolina were she worked in the fields along side her parents and 7 siblings, picking cotton, tobacco and tending to various farm animals. After graduating High School, Helen moved to Washington, DC to be near her brothers Oby and Henry.

Helen attended the Burdick Nursing School in Washington, DC, and earned her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse.  She served as a nurse for over 50 years. Helen retired from Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC after 45 years of faithful service. She was dedicated to her work as a nurse and rarely missed a day.  She often arrived to work an hour prior to her shift to ensure she was ready to greet patients and prepared for the day. She took great pride in her profession and her selflessness touched countless lives.

In 1972 Helen married George Rollins, Jr., and from their union was born two children, Kenderly Franklin and George Rollins, III.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, who accepted Jesus Christ in her life at an early age. Faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation on which she lived and raised her family. She was a dedicated member of Christ Church of Rockville for over 33 years, under the leadership of her brother, Bishop Henry Joyner, Sr. Throughout this time she served as an Usher, Sunday School Teacher, Trustee board member, and an integral member of the Intercessory Prayer Team. Helen was a founding member of the Impact DMV Church where her commitment to prayer and service was felt by all who had the pleasure to know her.

She was a woman of prayer and would rise early in the morning, often during the 4am hour, to spend time alone with her heavenly father. She would frequently be heard calling out the names of her loved ones and church members alike. For many years Helen was a committed member of the morning and noonday prayer groups at Impact DMV Church and the noonday prayer group at the Refreshing Spring Church of God in Christ in Riverdale, MD.  Her prayers, encouraging words and warms hugs were not only felt, but transformational! She believed in the power of prayer and embodied 1Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Helen is preceded in death by her parents Oby and Gladys and, siblings, Joseph, Oby, Dorothy, Patricia and Alice Jean.

Helen is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, George Rollins, Jr., daughter, Kenderly Franklin, son, George Rollins, III (Ora), grandchildren, Keyona Ogunnubi (Christopher), Oscar Austin, Jr., Kensington Rollins-Franklin, Genesis Rollins, Caitlyn Rollins, Gabriel Rollins and Micah Rollins. Great-grand daughters, Ayah Ogunnubi and Kelsi Deflorimonte, brother Bishop Henry Joyner, Sr., sister Paulette Sharpe (Marvin), sister-in-law, Annie Hunter (Bill), and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.