Helen Jane Murray

Obituary For Helen Jane Murray

Helen Jane Murray, the beloved daughter of Dorothy (Robinson) Warren and John Warren Sr., drew her first breath on December 31, 1947, in Morgantown, West Virginia. Unexpectedly, on April 29, 2026, Helen shared her last smile while at the Mercy Health Boardman campus surrounded by her loving family.

A proud graduate of South High School, Class of 1965, Helen played the drums as a percussionist for the band. She then pursued her passion for acquiring knowledge as a scholar at Youngstown State University.

Her career is marked by dedication and service, beginning as a cashier at Consolidated Stores and Sparkles Markets on Youngstown’s south side and Cornerburg areas. Years later, patrons would fondly recall Helen’s generous smile and engaging personality.

Helen then spent 14 years with Dominion East Ohio Gas Company before transitioning to the Youngstown City School System as a teacher's assistant, where her love for children flourished. Known for exceptional customer service skills in the utilities industry, she was tapped by the Mahoning Youngtown Community Action Partnership to lend her expertise to the workforce at MYCAP in the weatherization department.

Helen was an active and engaged member of Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, where she served within the culinary ministry, participated in its summer enrichment programs for the young people, and was an integral part of the King's Dominion Choir. She brought joy to the church community, participating in various activities, such as the Bumble Bee Tea Fashion Show, and always generously sharing her time, talents and treasury for the works of ministry.

Above all, Helen cherished her family. They were not just family; they were her roots, her support, and her biggest fans. Together, they created a tapestry of love and memories that will forever be woven into the fabric of their lives. Helen leaves behind her devoted daughter, Corrine L. Warren of Youngstown, and her beloved siblings, Joyce E. Warren of Youngstown, Betty L. Warren of Youngstown, and John (Charlotte) Warren Jr. of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Helen’s legacy will live on through her grandson, Rodney Sanders II, great-grandchildren Ziara Kennedy, Damien Patterson III, Angel Santiago, Zane Sanders, Kairyn Hunt, and Khi'Ree Sanders, as well as her great-great-granddaughter, Ny'Arri Martin Phifer.

Precious memories are also deposited in the hearts of her nieces Charmaine Warren, Xena Warren, Tamika Warren; and nephews Derek Stephens Sr., Maverick Henderson, Makhai Henderson and Derek Stephens Jr.

The bond of Helen’s friends who were like sisters- Louise Cooper, Ruth Brassfield, Georgia West, Faye Leonard, and Joyce Eley and her daughter-in-love Janeen Runyon remains unbreakable even in death. Helen lovingly nurtured and embraced her goddaughter, Jasmine Noel Macklin, as well as her bonus daughters, Joanna (Terrance) Jordon, Lisa McKinney, Antoinette Williams, and Angel Cashe with love, along with a large host of family and friends whom she loved dearly.

As Helen crossed the celestial sands into eternity, she was reunited with the ancestors which includes her beloved parents, son Anthony "Tony" Carlton Warren and granddaughter, Tanisha Howell-Patterson. In Helen’s memory, let us carry forth her legacy of kindness, for she taught by example that love truly knows no bounds.

As we gather to celebrate Helen’s remarkable life, we invite all who knew and loved her to join us in honoring her memory. Her impact on the lives of those around her will forever remain in our hearts.

Helen will lie in repose from 11:00AM to 3:00PM in the chapel of the J.E. Washington Funeral Home, 2234 Glenwood Ave, on Thursday, May 14, 2026. There will be a 10:00 AM public viewing on Friday May 15, 2026, at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave, Youngstown. The Celebration of Life services will begin at 11:00 where Rev. Lewis Macklin, whom she affectionately called “Pastor Son”, will officiate. Services will be livestreamed on the Facebook Page of J.E. Washington Funeral Services.

After a committal ceremony, Helen will be laid to rest upon the serene estates of Tod Homestead Cemetery. In our hearts, she will remain a bright beacon of love, resilience, and hope. Helen will be lovingly remembered for her boundless generosity, her radiant spirit, and her unwavering commitment to her family and community.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Helen Jane Murray elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.

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