Helen Frances King Govan Obituary in Jackson at Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

Obituary For Helen Frances King Govan

Funeral services will be Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 3:00 p.m., Thalia Mara Hall "City Auditorium" 255 E. Pascagoula Street #4115, Jackson, MS 39201 with burial in Autumn Woods Cemetery, 4000 W. Northside Drive, Jackson, MS 39209. Visitation will be Friday, June 19, 2020 at Westhaven Funeral Home, 3580 Robinson Street, Jackson, MS 39209 from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Mrs. Helen Frances King Govan was born on February 26, 1932 in Wichita, Kansas. She was the third child born to Mr. Robert Roger King and Mrs. Gladys Evelyn Jones King. As a bouncing baby girl, she was a special blessing to her parents who mourned the lost of first born. Bobby and welcomed by bug brother, Milton. She shared many special moments with her family as a child bearing the name of her father's oldest sister, Helen, who never had children of her own. She attended St. Augustine Episcopal Church and was baptized there as an infant. In 1949, she graduated from Wichita High School East, commonly known in Kansas as East High.Mrs. Govan received many blessing from the Lord. On June 24, 1949, she married lifelong friend and high school sweet heart, Pastor D.L. Govan. A love affair made in heaven, shared and witnessed by people from all over. "Mr. and Mrs. Govan" have been recognized by many national groups, which invited them to share characteristics that kept their marriage bond strong, intact and admired by so many. Helen would always say " Jesus is the glue that keeps the two." From this strong loving union, eight children were born and nurtured by loving and supportive parents.Mrs. Govan attended Friends University in Wichita, Kansas and completed a Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas. After graduation, she served as a faculty member at Tabor College, Kansas State University, Phyllis Wheatley Children' Home and in numerous other position as a community services activist and organizer. If you knew her, you have witnessed her strong passion to champion for children rights, families and a desire to make life better for others.Mr. and Mrs. Govan relocated to Jackson, Mississippi to work with Dr. John Perkins at Voice of Calvary Ministries in 1982. This was shortly after the death of their son Guy Andre Govan. They became very active members in Jackson. Their neighborhood and strong members of Voice of Calvary Fellowship. Helen served as a Sunday School Teacher, and was Head Deaconess! Always encouraging women, girls, and mothers and ensuring that children were actively involved.Mrs. Govan continued to work with organization which offered services to address the needs of children. This passion led her to Catholic Charities where she served in the Michelin Home for Pregnant Teens. There, she aided in the adopted of several children and assisted many young mothers in giving birth and with practical points for raising their children. While continuing to share her love for children, she worked at the West Jackson Community Development Corporation (WJCDC) and met her longtime friend and fellow advocate, Carol Todd Robinson. Together at WJCDC, they offered parenting classes and worked to make the community better. Mrs. Govan was a devoted advocate for voting rights, and a faithful precinct manager until there were challenges with her health in early 2020. Even with health concerns, she continued to counsel families and advocate for the rights of children.Mrs. Govan loved people and traveled often with the love of her life, Pastor D. L. Govan who she called, "Daddy." She served on many boards and was a member of numerous community-based organizations. Mrs. Govan served as a very committed member of The Margaret Walker Alexander Foundation, The National Black Evangelical Association, Capital Neighborhood Association, MS College School of Social Work, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Central MS Chapter, where she was the Chaplain for several years.Mrs. Govan was preceded in death by her mother; Mrs. Gladys King, father; Mr. Robert King, brothers; Bobbie and Milton Clarence King, son; Guy Andre Govan and grandson; Jeremiah Obadiah Morris.She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish wonderful and loving memories, husband of 70 plus years; Pastor D.L. Govan, sister; Danita (Cliff) Morris of Las Vegas, NV, children; Don (Barbara) Govan of The Colony, TX, Roger (Mary) Govan of Fayetteville, NC, Vicki Govan of Jackson, MS,Gladys (Steve) Morris of Fresno, CA, Keith Govan of Jackson, MS, Vernon (Janice) Govan of Arlington, TX, and Virginia (Jose) Velarde of Watertown, NY, nephew; Vladmir King of Santa Fe, NM, along with daughters-in-love; Pamela Govan of Arlington, TX and Melvina Whitehead of Ridgeland, MS, thirteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, a life long friend that she called her sister Norma Eddington and a host of other relatives and friends.

Photos & Video

Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

We all loved Mrs. Govan. I am sorry about her loss. So many of our lives were better off because of her. We were at VOCM in the early '80's.

I am praying for Mr. Govan and his family. I hope you guys remember me. Marjorie Hill Wilder Riverside CA

Mrs. Govan was a beautiful woman of God. I knew her as a child and teenager in Wichita Kansas. Walking with her children Roger, Victoria and Guy every day, to and from school. I spent a lot of time at their home. Going to The Kansas Bible Camp with their family every summer. How I wish I could find them every year after year until I got in touch with her April 2018. She informed me that she and her husband would be celebrating their 70th anniversary that June. I moved again and lost touch once again, I am so sorry to hear about her passing. Marjorie Hill Wilder; Riverside California.

My condolences to Mr. G and the rest of the Govan family. Mrs. Govan was a beautiful woman of faith and conviction, with a heart for real ministry. My prayer is for your comfort and peace in the knowledge that she is resting with her heavenly Father. Andrea L. Phillips

Such a beautiful kind spirit. She will be missed by SO many... DReed, NCBW

I met Pastor and Mrs. G in 1986 when my family and I moved to Jackson and started attending Voice of Calvary Fellowship. I found Mrs.G to be very caring, loving, beautiful on the inside and outside and a true believer of Christ. She cared for her family and loved everyone who gave her the chance. I know her family will always miss her. My condolences to everyone of you. May God continue to comfort and console you. Please know that we have been praying for you all, and especially for Mr. G. May God fill that emptiness with good thoughts and peace. Much love from all of us. Adelaide for the Jonathan Wilson family, Maryland.

I am so saddened to learn just recently of Mrs. Govan's passing. She was a wonderful, sweet, kind woman with a heart of pure gold. She always had kind, loving, encouraging things to say. An angel in every since of the word. My deepest condolences to Rev Govan, Jenny, and the entire family. Keeping you all in my prayers. Mike Alexander, Bowie Md.

Govan Family, your Mom eas the most beautifully. She was my Mom's favorite cousin. So many wonderful stories and memories my Mom would share about them growing up together and the trips to Wichita to visit. You, your brothers and sisters are so loved. She is truly an angel and I will always remember her sweet spirit I pray the Lord will bring you all His comfort and peace. I love you. Your Cousin, Edna

I forgot to leave my name! Love Robin Abrams-Tolden

Such a special part of my life, served together of Voice of Calvary in so many ways, participated in me and Andy's 20th anniversary wedding renewal, shared our 25th anniversary cruise, and I'll always remember "the Govan shuffle" - she liked for everyone to exchange hugs at church during morning worship! Great hugs! Precious memories. I know you are absent from your body now and present with our Lord. Praying for the Lord's comfort for Papa Govan, Vickie and the entire Govan clan

I first meet Mr. & Mrs. G at Tabor college in 1977 coming from rural Georgia and entering a college in the mid west was a culture shop. But Ms. G with here warm heart and great cooking made me feel right at home. To be absent from the body means to be with the Lord. God Bless the Govan family you will be always remembered,stay strong Mr. G. Wayne (catfish) Hunter.

We remember Helen beautiful smile and caring, loving heart for the community. She was always active trying to make a difference in the life of other people. Our life is much richer after meeting the Govan family. Thank you Helen for a life well lived. God's Blessings to the family. Lee and Freda Bush love you.

"Be not dismayed whatever be tide, GOD will take care of you." Ms Vickie Govan, I just want you to know that my family & I are praying for you & your family. Love you all. Mrs. Jonora Coleman

We will definitely miss you, Mrs. Helen F. Govan. You were an exceptional woman, lovely, kind and always full of joy. We had some long talking moments and plenty of laughs at our home in Arlington, Texas. We will keep the memories alive of all the sleep overs you and Rev. Govan spent at our home. Your smile was everlasting....Rest in Heaven Mrs. Helen F. Govan
Your "play son & daughter," Albert & Vertis Gibbs

I first met Mrs. G when we worked together at Sears in the customer service department. She was always so calm, kind and loving, especially to some of the irate customers that called. I remember thinking, "Whatever she has, I want!" Years later, I joined the church where she and Mr. G ministered to so many. Rest well, Mrs. G. You are missed.