Ms. Helen D. Nuttall

Blessed with a life-long, sustaining faith in God, Helen DeAlma Nuttall, 86, departed this world on September 1, 2024, for her Heavenly reward. Left behind to remember her intelligence, humor, quick wit, caring ways, charitable spirit and abundant generosity are her devoted son and daughter, Wayne McDonald (Phyllis) and Renee McDonald; her nieces, Donna Nuttall Joe (Darryl) and Shelley Nuttall Martinez; her sister-in-law, Quanolia Nuttall; her grandchildren, Dawn Greene (Cedric), Amanda McDonald, Brittany Paylor, Brianna Paylor, Faith Jones, Courtney Lee and Justin Cloud; her grand nieces, Danielle Joe (Yannik), Dominique Joe and Loren Martinez; her great grandchildren, Clare, Kamden, Carmen, Ace, Stoney, Mel, Zel, Cayenne, Camden and Caleb; the extended Nuttall family; the Taylor, McDonald, Earley and Roggerson families, and her dear friends, including the ever-present Drifters sisterhood.

Raised by loving parents, Shelton H. Nuttall, Jr. and Mary E. Nuttall, Helen and her brother, the late Shelton H. Nuttall, III, spent their formative years in Northeast Washington, DC. Helen attended DC public schools, graduating from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in 1956. She married her high school sweetheart, Clarence E. McDonald, and shortly thereafter relocated to the West Coast. These early adventures fueled Helen’s passion for travel, eventually compelling her to visit all 50 states as well as six of the world’s seven continents, including such fascinating and exotic locales as the white sand beaches of Puerto Rico, Jerusalem’s golden Dome of the Rock, the winding Nile River, the majestic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, and the history-rich homeland, Dakar, Senegal, West Africa.

Any initial uncertainty Helen experienced as a young adult was soon replaced by an abiding determination to achieve for her family and herself. Always a good student, Helen focused on her education, first enrolling in night classes at Federal City College (now the University of the District of Columbia) and later matriculating to Morgan State University, from which she graduated in June 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Helen knew then her education would create opportunities that otherwise could remain unavailable to her. This is a lesson she eagerly shared with her family and friends throughout her life, always encouraging and celebrating academic achievement.

Buoyed by her academic success, Helen embarked on a new stage of life. In 1974, she purchased her first home in Silver Spring, Maryland, later leveraging the house as her first rental property when she moved to North Carolina in 1979. While in North Carolina, Helen became more ensconced in real estate, working as a part-time real estate agent, a landlord, and eventually forming a real estate investment company.

Helen’s time in North Carolina was also highlighted by her ascension through the ranks as a federal employee with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). She received commendations for her work as an EEO counselor and later as an investigator. When she returned to the Washington, DC area in 1989, Helen continued her meritorious service while assigned to the EEOC’s national headquarters, earning acknowledgements from the then Commissioner and current U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas. Helen retired from the Federal Government in 1993, after 33 years of service.

Helen strived to make a difference in her community and her commitment to others knew no bounds. Retirement allowed her to dedicate her time to a variety of causes, and she did not squander the opportunity. Helen served in different capacities with her local NAACP chapters, including as a leader of the NAACP Youth Council. Helen also volunteered her time to local and national political campaigns, and served as a voting judge for the State of Maryland. Helen also joined the National Drifters, Inc., a national women’s service organization, distinguishing herself as a charter member of the organization’s chapter located in Mitchellville, Maryland chapter of the organization. As a Drifter, Helen served as the chapter’s Recording Secretary, Membership Chair, Scholarship Chair, Nominating Chair, Audit Chair and Historian, and led community projects that positively impacted the lives of thousands of citizens throughout the DC metro area. Helen also served in her community through her home church, Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, including working with the church’s Willis Memorial Ministry and Missionary Ministry, as well as supporting the Phyllis Wheatley YMCA. Following graduation, Helen remained connected with Morgan State University Alumni Association, and served as the Howard County chapter’s Secretary and Treasurer.

As Helen wrote in her recently published autobiography, My Life and Family History: "I do believe in a Higher Power, and I call him God. I believe that God came to earth in human form as His Son, Jesus Christ. I believe that Jesus Christ gave me two great commandments to live by while I am here on earth (Mark 12:30-31). The first great commandment is: Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; and the second great commandment is: Love your neighbor as yourself."

Helen’s life so very well lived confirmed her adherence to the commandments and dedication to spreading God’s Love. For these and so many other reasons, Helen will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and church community. But those who were blessed and inspired by her love for and commitment to others know she remains in spirit, gently encouraging us on to successful, happy, and faith-filled lives.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made in the form of monetary donations in Helen’s name to the Morgan State University Alumni Association, Howard County Chapter. Your checks may include the phrase “Helen D Nuttall Scholarship” on memo line and should be made payable to:

MSUAA-HCC

PO Box 6847

Columbia, MD 21045