OAKLAND, Calif. — Helen Lee Powell Turner Peppers was born in Southampton County, Virginia, on Feb. 16, 1927, to the late Harry and Kate Powell. Helen, affectionately known as Ms. Peppers, departed this life on Jan. 29, 2019, in Oakland, California. She was the oldest of her 10 brothers and sisters.

She leaves to mourn her loss her six children, Josephine, Bruce (Josephine), Nancy, Charles, Norma and Yvette; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and her loving brothers and sisters will miss her tremendously, Harry Jr., Eunice, ElGertrude, Carrie, Annie and Richards.

One son, Raleigh Jr., preceded her in death; and her brothers and sisters who have also preceded her in death were Jessie, John, James, Mildred and Audrey.

The funeral took place on Feb. 8 in First Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, Oakland, by the Rev. Dr. Albert J. Harris Jr., pastor.

A precious one from us is gone. A voice we loved is stilled. A place is vacant in our hearts that never can be filled. Your brothers and sisters.