Helen Byers

Helen Mae (Saunders) Byers was born on October 13, 1937 in Edwight, West Virginia to the late General Saunders and Elsie(Lemons) Saunders. She gave her life to the Lord at an early age. She began her membership at the Church of God MPG of T in Harper Heights, West Virginia under the late ElderJulius Caesar Richardson, ElderJuanita Irvin and later under Pastor Ruby Berry.

She soon resided in New York and worked among the Jewish community as a housekeeper. where she later began a lengthy career as a foster caregiver. Over the years, she kept approximately twenty children for the State of New York. And many were rendered as most adoptable because of her care. While remaining faithful to the Church of God MPG of T, Mother Helen and her former husband, Elder Lawrence Berry, worked under the approval of National Overseer, Mother Alma L. Walker, as watch care members in several roles of ministry under the pastorate of Bishop Perry Lindsay and attended the Glorious Church of God in Christ in Brooklyn, New York.

After many years Mother Helen returned to live in Beckley, West Virginia, where she met her late husband, Deacon Olice Byers, and later moved to the Charleston area. where the couple served under Bishop Michael Austin, Sr. and his wife, her stepdaughter, Min. Mattie Austin.

In addition to her parents and late husband, Olice Byers, Helen’s son, David Saunders, and stepdaughter, Mattie Austin precedes her in death. She was the last of thirteen siblings with the loss of her brothers and sisters: Russell, Arthur, Otis, and Herbert Saunders. Virgina Miller, Louise Jenkins, Lorrine Moorman, Estell Collins, Betty Stewart, Reva Lee, Mary Etta Saunders, and Ruby Berry. Mother Helen is survived by her daughter Karen (James) Kennedy. Her grandchildren; John Arthur Josephus Hamp, Michael, Steven, Genel, Matthew, and Jonathan Austin. Hertwo great grandchildren Ryan and Mychaela Hamp. Several great great grandchildren. A multitude of nieces and nephews to the fourth generation. And her niece and nephew whom she resided with for 17 years J. Paulette (Mark) Taylor.

Throughout the years Helen also lived in North Carolina and Kentucky. She went on to finish her last 13 years of life in Columbus, Ohio under the pastorate of J. Paulette Taylor. Where she was a member of the Ministerial Staff, Local Mother's Board President, Local Missionary Vice President, a Sunday School Teacher, and a member of the Pastor's Aid Committee at the Victory Apostolic Church of God MPG of T. She leaves behind a legacy of service to God and his people. Mother Helen will be cherished and greatly missed by all who knew her.

Her service will be held on Wednesday, July 1, at 1:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Chapel, 5600 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio. 

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