Obituary

Helen J. Mayo Rodriguez
(September 22, 1964 - August 3, 2020)

Helen J. Mayo Rodriguez

Helen J. Mayo Rodriguez was born on September 22, 1964 in Huntington, WV.  She is one of seven children born to the late Ovinton “Sam” Mayo and Alvesta Mayo and the twin to Ellen Mayo. 

Helen graduated in 1982 from Huntington High School in Huntington, WV.  She was very active in sports and made life-long friendships.  Her professional career includes Cabell Huntington Hospital, Marshall University Medical Center, self-employment and Cabell County Community Services Organization, Inc.  Helen was a worker and held multiple jobs at the same time!

She loved the Lord and served in various ministries at Young Chapel AME Church in Huntington, WV to include the Lay Organization, Missionary Board, Senior Usher Board, Stewardess Board, Liberation Gospel Choir, Liturgical Dance and Event Coordinator.  Helen was also a volunteer with the Children’s Ministry of New Life Church in Huntington, WV.  In addition to her calling to serve in the church, she loved serving people.  Helen had a special affection for senior citizens and anyone that needed a helping hand.  She would share her last dime and loved people unconditionally.  Helen was also a “giver” because her focus was not on material things, but instead eternal life.  Her heart and contagious personality was HUGE.      

She was the glue to the Mayo family.  Helen was proud to celebrate the personal accomplishments of her family and could often be heard saying “they’ve got it going on!”  She was a true encourager and would travel to be where you were or provide monetary support for the occasion.  Helen also knew everyone!  A lot of history and stories resided within her.  Her home was the gathering place for family, friends, acquaintances, celebrations, and holidays.

On April 4, 2020 she married the love of her life of 17 years, Randy S. Rodriguez, with a public celebration on June 20, 2020 with family and friends.

In spite of her health challenges, her faith was strong.  Helen loved the Lord and encouraged others to go to church and establish a relationship with God!  In her final days on earth, she was comforted by the Word, prayer, gospel music and desired the presence of family.  Helen entered eternal rest on Monday, August 3, 2020 at home surrounded by loved ones.

Helen was preceded in death by her father, Ovinton “Sam” Mayo; mother, Alvesta Mayo; sister, Floretta “Skip” Lawson and brother, Robert “Bobby” Mayo.

She leaves to cherish her fond memories, her husband Randy S. Rodriguez; two sons, Joshua Johnson of Charleston, WV and Stephon Johnson of Huntington, WV; two daughters, Ashley Johnson of Huntington, WV and Jasmine Johnson (Phillip) of Huntington, WV; step children: Stephanie Spencer, Tuesdai Johnson, Jason Rodriguez, Jasmine Rodriguez, Ti’Trell Johnson; four granddaughters:  Cheyenne Coakley, Ra’Nijah Byrd Johnson, Jazalynn Osborne and Malajah Bolling; two grandsons: Ra’Shaud Byrd Johnson and Kyrie Riley; four sisters Belinda Johnson of Chandler, AZ, Margaret Terry (Wilton) of South Point, OH, Ellen Mayo of Huntington, WV and Cynthia McNeil (Willie) of Charlotte, NC; one aunt Mrs. Emma Williams of Huntington, WV and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends to include Monique Johnson, Jackie Smith, Robin Lapsley, Rene Nkosi, Truecella Perry and Mrs. Teresa G. Davis.     

A Home Going service will be conducted 12:00 P.M, Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at New Life Church, Huntington, WV with Rev. Oliver W.H Banks III officiating.  Interment will immediately follow at the Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington, WV. The family will welcome friends at 11:00 A.M at New Life Church, Huntington, WV. Ferrell-Chambers Funeral Home, Huntington, WV is honored to assist the family.