Helen Marie Person

A beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Marie Person was born on March 24,1931 to the late Gordon and Dona Turner in Bridgehampton, Long Island, New York. Helen Marie Person attended Bridgehampton High School, lived in Douglas Park, and moved to Washington Park in 1964. She attended I.C. Norcom High School and received a certificate as a Nursing Assistant. While working at Wellspring Home Health Care, and Portsmouth Naval Hospital, she received several recognitions for her outstanding service to patients. In 1995, after twelve years of faithful and dedicated service, Helen Marie Person retired. Helen Marie Person husband Alfred A. Person, two sons Timothy Charles, and Gregory Alexander, daughter Sheila Viola Willis, and brothers Junior Turner and Everett Turner preceded her in death. Her brother Hilliard Turner transitioned two days after her death. To cherish her memory, she leaves two sons Alfred Henry Person (Yvette) and Gordon Lamont Person, daughter Regina Langford (Vernon). Additionally, she was the proud grandmother to Shanel Jones (Kareem), Sheila Denise Willis, Charles Willis, Tamika Fleming (Shawn) LaToya Barnes (Rashad), Bryan Coleman and Mack Coleman (Angela) several great -grands, fourteen great- great grandchildren, her sister Marion Darden and a host of nieces, nephew, friends, as well as prominent community leaders who championed her endeavors. Helen Marie Person enjoyed sitting on the front porch interacting with the neighbors as well as politicians, cooking crabs, playing cards, making apple pies, listening to music, entertaining friends as well as community activists, as well as collecting Afrocentric figurines. She was present at countless political /community gatherings. Helen Marie had an infectious laugh and never met a stranger. Helen Marie Person was the recipient of various accolades for her community involvement in the city of Portsmouth. Helen Marie took extraordinary pride in her neighborhood. She walked for the cause of the common good for the residents of Washington Park, prayed for the heart of the city and stood dozens of times before Portsmouth City Council. She was the voice for the citizens of Washington Park. To address the lead issue that plagued the grounds and residents of Washington Park, she endlessly and tirelessly collaborated with the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law and the Environment Protection Agency. The redevelopment of Washington Park allowed her to be instrumental in the relocation of all families from the area. Through ongoing negotiation, the housing units were torn down, and the land rezoned as an industrial site. Helen Marie Person left an indelible mark on the city of Portsmouth. Helen Marie Person’s memory will live in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Helen Marie Person worked for the good of the people. Helen Marie Person saw a need and challenged the cause. She stood tall and was determined to make things right. Helen Marie Person was a dreamer and a leader.

Helen Marie Person

March 24, 1931 - March 1, 2024