Mrs. Helen Jordan Keene

Mrs.  Helen J. Keene peacefully departed this life on Sunday, May 18, 2025, with her two daughters by her side.  She was a resident of The Chesapeake. Helen was born in Gates County, NC on August 17, 1937, and was the youngest of three children born to the late Andrew and Mary Jordan. 

She received her early education in the Gates County Public Schools, graduating with high honors from Buckland High School.  She continued her education at Saint Augustine College in Raleigh, NC, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.  She furthered her education by attending Hampton Institute (Hampton University) in Hampton, VA, and graduated with a Master of Arts in Middle and High School Guidance and Counseling. 

Helen began her employment with Hampton City Schools as a classroom teacher.  She was a loyal, faithful, caring, and dedicated educator.  She later became a guidance counselor, then served as a Title I Home/School Coordinator until she retired in 1994.  After retiring, Helen served as an Adjunct Supervisor of Student Teaching for five years at Hampton University. 

She thoroughly enjoyed her time working as an educator.  In addition, she was a member and Deaconess of Queen Street Baptist Church, where she was active until her health began to decline.

Helen was multifaceted, strong, nurturing, and protective.  She had a deep love for her husband, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren.  She was affectionately called “Mama” or “Ma” by her daughters, and “Grandma” or “Gram Gram” by her grandchildren.  She worked hard to provide them with a foundation of faith, and she instilled in them the importance of education.

Helen had a beautiful spirit, a positive attitude, infectious smile, and a great sense of humor.  She loved to travel and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  Her cooking, planning, and organizational skills were second to none, and she always strived for excellence.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alphonso T. Keene, her parents, Andrew Jordan and Mary Herman Jordan, her sister, Ethelene Knight, and brother, Fred Jordan. 

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughters, Violet K. Whiteman (Neville) of Hampton, VA and Veronica K. Brown (Corey) of Carrollton, VA; four grandchildren, Joseph T. Whiteman (Gabrielle), Rachel D. Whiteman, Sean A. Brown, and Michelle A. Brown; one great-granddaughter, Gianna J. Whiteman, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

It is the desire of the Keene/Whiteman and Brown families that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Mrs. Helen Jordan Keene has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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