Helen S Green

Helen, better known as Helen Selena growing up, passed away on February 1, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Hampton, VA on May 18, 1952. Helen was the daughter of Edward Jackson and Anna Mae Corbin Jackson Sayle. She is preceded in death by her soulmate and best friend Dr. Melvin Green (husband), Parents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Her early life was grounded in the church. Helen was a member of FIrst Baptist Church for over 50 years. She graduated from Pembroke High School in 1970 and later moved to Washington D.C. where she received her Nursing Degree from the University of The District of Columbia in 1978. She was actively working as a Registered Nurse until she retired on disability in 2013. Helen was an amazing and strong individual. She was given the gift of life through a Bi-Lateral Lung transplant, February 27, 2016. God Blessed her with almost 5 additional years. She always remembers her donor family in prayer and gratefulness. Without that gift she wouldn't have been able to continue to touch people's lives, develop her strong spiritual beliefs and serve her God. Helen always showed others the need to fight and never give up attitude. Her motto was “Be Strong-Be Brave- Be Fearless.” All of these she displayed daily. The daily journey was hard for her but she never let you know. Helen fought until it was time for the Lord to say job well done. Helen loved to travel with Melvin and the family. She was always planning a trip, on a trip or thinking about a trip. Her and Melvin traveled the world and enjoyed every minute. After her final trip on a cruise that she begged her Duke pulmonologist (Dr. Todd) for 3 ½ years post transplant, Helen finally said enough. She was happy. She had seen all the sun rises, sunsets and the beauty it behold. Helen’s love for her family was beyond measure. She loved family gatherings continuing to follow her mothers traditions. Helen was a member of the Newport News Chapter of the Girl Friends for over 25 years. She always strived to be a good Girl Friend by honoring the Girl Friend pledge. We like to Thank Dr. Jamie Todd, Kim Holleman and the Duke Lung Transplant team for always being there working through the medical problems on this journey. A special thank you to Cousin Lilian Greene for her unconditional love and support given. Lil moved with the family to Durham for 7 months being Helens secondary caregiver never a waiving thought about her supporting the family. For this, our family thanks her so much. Everyday Helen will be missed by those who survive her, daughters, Anika Baker (Charlotte), Schaan Baker (Atlanta), Kimberly Green (Atlanta), Jennifer Green Godette (Dallas); Grandchildren Amaya Pattillo, Kendall Cunningham, Kennedy Cunningham, Kaydon Baker, and Gabriel Goddette. Special niece (other Daughter) Mikayla Sayle. Two brothers James Davis, Alvin Jackson, and one sister, Oveta Sayle; her dear friends Faye Lemon, Adrienne and Butch Frankin. God held onto her right hand through it all Breathe easy now… Please consider donating a gift of Life. Be an organ donor.