Ms. Helen D. Gaddie

Helen Diane Gaddie was born September 17, 1951 and her home going was October 27, 2024. She was born to the late Katie J. Washington and the late Robert Johnson. She was reared by her mother Katie and father Robert. She also was loved and reared by her stepfather Willie Washington (deceased) Five siblings were added to their union. Cynthia Mathis, Robert G. Johnson, Wayne Johnson, Rickie Johnson, and Kelvin O. Johnson (deceased) She was joined in marriage to William Rasse Gaddie (deceased). They resided together in the Fayetteville, NC area. There were no children in this union; however, she was a dedicated aunt and mother to her nieces and nephews. She also had one God daughter Tina Haywood (deceased). She leaves to cherish her memories her sister, Cynthia Mathis (Matt) of Roswell GA; brothers, Robert Johnson (Delores) of Fayetteville, NC, Wayne Johnson (Delora) of Newport News, VA, Rickie Johnson (Emmy) of Clayton, NC; special nieces, Lakeidah Johnson, Kiera Fennell, and Kishawna Johnson all of Fayetteville, NC; special nephews, Kionte Fennell and Kyree Johnson of Fayetteville, NC; aunts, Clara Ferguson and Darlene Melvin of Chicago, IL; uncles, Charles Melvin and Donald Melvin of Fayetteville, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. At an early age Helen was baptized and joined Greater First Baptist Church. She attended church regularly. She was a church usher until her health failed. She really loved her church and was excited to make it to worship services. Homecoming was her favorite time of the year. She was a beloved sister who helped to raise her four brothers. As the eldest sibling she helped to shape the values, goals, and inspirations in her younger siblings. She often was the baby sitter and the disciplinarian as her mother was working during the years after her father Robert was deceased. Even after she was married, she continued to help to provide the family with stability. Helen loved being at home and she never desired to leave her home in Cedar Creek. Later, she continued to be near and close to the family to make sure that her younger nephews and nieces received her love and attention. During her later years, Helen overcame many obstacles and she was never willing to accept defeat. Helen was educated in the Cumberland County schools and graduated in the class of 1969 from Armstrong High School. She was very scholastic and her academic excellence always shined. During the years of segregation, Helen was selected to be one of three young black female students that attended the white Stedman High School as a pilot program for school integration and desegregation. She was selected due to her character and academic performance. She made Armstrong proud as she successfully completed the pilot program opening the door to desegregation in the state of North Carolina. After high school she attended the Raleigh School of Data Processing, Raleigh North Carolina. She worked as a clerical and administrative secretary at Burlington Industries in St. Pauls, NC. Helen loved shopping and dressing nicely. She often showed love by shopping for other family members that were less fortunate, especially shopping for young children that she treated as her own. Helen was also very athletic and she enjoyed playing sports. She played on the Cedar Creek Community adult female softball teams for many years although she lived in Gray’s Creek. She was an awesome first baseman, team captain, pitcher, and power hitter, that was known for hitting homeruns. She also enjoyed drag racing and driving sporty cars. Helen was a fun and loving person. She loved to laugh and to see others enjoying life. She often visited the homes of friends and family. Many of the young persons around Cedar Creek depended on Helen and to many she was known as Aunt Helen, and Big Sis. She loved the people in the Cedar Creek community and they knew that her home was a place they were welcome. Helen was determined to live her life among her family, and she provided special care for her mother, and her nieces and nephews that resided at the home whenever care was needed. She was a true family matriarch and if anyone needed guidance, many of them came to Helen. She was happiest when entertaining others, spending her moments with her family, listening to her gospel music on Sunday mornings or watching church services on television when she was unable to make it to church. Helen supported the church, her family and many friends. She fed many at her table and she opened her door to strangers. To those that needed relief she gave her best. She lent to others, even when she had lack. Helen demonstrated excellence during her life and will always be a great athlete and a champion in the sport of life. She will be missed by so many. Her favorite words,“UH-Huh”, Yes Lord, and Thank you Jesus, He Show Is Good.” Rest on Helen. The Lord said, “Well done my good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matt. 25:21, NKJV). Finally, there is laid up for you the crown of righteousness. “

Ms. Helen D. Gaddie

September 17, 1951 - October 27, 2024