Helen Ann Bertrand

Helen Ann Bertrand, affectionately known as Bert and Bertie, entered into her heavenly home on March 16, 2026, after a lengthy battle with dementia. Born on August 13, 1940, in Bostic, NC, Helen was the beloved daughter of the late Thomas Monroe and Hester Luvenia Brown. She was the eldest sibling to William (Joyce) Brown, Evelyn Dickerson, Fayveat Claiborne, Buford (Elizabeth) Brown and Lena Wilkerson.

Helen graduated from Carver High School where she was Homecoming Queen in 1958. Although she lived on a farm, gathering eggs from the chicken coup and picking cotton, she was a city girl at heart. Days after graduation she took a bus to New York to work as a domestic. Later, she moved to northern Virgina and worked a variety of jobs to include counter attendant, window dresser at a Fashion Store and at Stuart Motor Company. Helen received her business certificate from Cortez-Peterson Business School. For 38 years, Helen dedicated herself to enhancing the lives of others as an Administrative Assistant and finally Budget Analyst at Howard University. She touched many lives to include students, faculty, parents, and the community. A friend who provided support and assistance on a professional and personal level (adoptive mother to many of her students) gave her joy.

Family was the cornerstone of Helen’s life. She was a loving mother to daughters Wanda and Barbara as a result to her union with the late Leroy Bertrand. Helen was a devoted and doting grandmother to Shajuanda. She loved her adopted son Ray Spires who kept her laughing. Her care for her family was evident in all that she did, from cheering on her daughters, granddaughter, and all the family in their chosen education and recreation pursuits. She provided good counsel in all aspects of their lives. She supported family by providing jobs around her house or employment at the University. Helen was a natural caregiver, providing support to siblings, aunts, uncles, friends, and students. She never met a stranger and was a magnet for conversation.

Helen’s most notable accomplishment was giving her life to the Lord. A faithful servant, she shared her love of Christ. Having that natural caregiver instinct, as a member of the Tenth Street Baptist Church, Helen served on the Nurse’s Unit. There she was elected president and served for several years. Not only did she serve at Tenth Street, but she also spent countless hours visiting and supporting the Nurses anniversaries and other programs of various sister churches. Likewise, she often cared for the sick, giving of her time and resources.

Helen leaves to celebrate her life 2 daughters, granddaughter, 5 siblings and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be held at New Vernon Baptist Church on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 12:00PM.