Helen M. Lenard

Obituary For Helen M. Lenard

Helen M. Lenard, a cherished matriarch, was born on January 22, 1933, in Montgomery, West Virginia, to James Evans Sr. and Sherdena Pritchard Evans. She departed this life peacefully on December 29, 2025, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family.

On June 7, 1952, Helen united in holy matrimony to Joe M. Lenard, with whom she shared 63 beautiful years of love and companionship until his passing on November 11, 2015. As a dedicated homemaker, Helen found her greatest joy in caring for her family.

A lifelong member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, Helen served as the secretary of the adult usher board ministry, where she found purpose and joy in her service. She was under the loving ministry of the late Rev. Charles Ellis Sr. Her spirit radiated in all she did, exemplifying her favorite Bible verse, Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Helen truly possessed one of the purest hearts, always offering her support, wisdom, and warmth to anyone in need.

In her leisure, Helen reveled in simple pleasures—watching her favorite shows, Family Feud and The Bold and the Beautiful, delving into gardening, and appreciating nature’s beauty through flowers and birds. A lover of dogs, her last furry friend, Fluffy, held a special place in her heart. Helen often cherished moments of reflection, reminiscing about the good old days surrounded by loved ones.

Helen is survived by her beloved daughter, Sharon Kay Lenard Wallace of Youngstown, Ohio, and two stepdaughters, Norma Jean Benson and Jackie Brandon, both of Charleston, West Virginia. Helen’s family tree blossomed with six granddaughters—Vicki Jackson, Dena Jacobs (Danny), Latasha Hairston-Tyson, Angela Wallace, Alvita Wallace (Antonio Whitfield), and Pamela Wallace (Marcus)—as well as six great grandsons—Keilan Jacobs, Daniel Jacobs, Christopher Sherman Jr., Jahmel Wallace, Matthew Jacobs, and Gary—and two great granddaughters, Asiya and Makayla.

Her circle of love extended to special family friends and cherished neighbors who were as dear to her as family which includes Cecil and Renee Carnathan, The George Reynolds Family, Carmen and Jennifer Neapolitan, Joann Hornbuckle, Debra Torbett, Verona Hall, Skeeter Tharpe and the Joe and Ida Little Family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved spouse, and her brother, James Evans Jr. In this time of mourning, we invite all who knew and loved Helen to join us honoring her memory and the imprint she left on our hearts.

Celebration of Life services for Helen M. Lenard will take place in the chapel of the J. E. Washington Funeral Home, 2234 Glenwood Ave., in Youngstown, Ohio. The public will have the opportunity to pay their respects during a public viewing at 10:00 am on Tuesday January 6, 2026, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. with Pastor Alfred Cooper of Living Testimony officiating. After a committal ceremony, Helen will be laid to rest alongside her husband Joe among the serene estates of the Tod Homestead Cemetery.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Helen M. Lenard 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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