Helen Kate Gregory-Mondane

In the fall of 1927, Alonzo Gregory and Mable Gregory were blessed with the arrival of

their child, Helen Kate on November 6, 1927.  Helen grew up in the small town of Dyersburg,

Tennessee.  As with most southern African American families faith in God and attending church every Sunday was a part of life.  Helen accepted Christ at an early age, attended Womack Temple C.M.E. Church for Sunday School and church services with her family.

Helen received her education from Bruce Elementary and High School.  After graduation Helen worked a variety of jobs before marrying H. Lee Davis in 1947.  The marriage produced

three children, Sandra, Patricia and H. Lee Davis, Jr.  Sadly Sandra died a few months after birth.  Her son H. Lee Davis, Jr. was afflicted with polio at age 2 but lived a productive life attending and graduating from San Diego State University.  Sadly on December 26, 2013 Lee

preceded his mother Helen in death.

In 1956 Helen married Joel Blevins and they moved the family to Chicago.  This marriage produced a son Geoffrey Lynn Blevins.  Chicago was home for a number of years until

the family moved to San Diego when Mr. Blevins brother offered him a position in his

construction business.

After moving to San Diego, Helen and the children joined Second Baptist Church of Linda Vista.  Always the faithful servant Helen served on the Trustee Board as Treasurer, sung in the church choir and served in several other capacities within the church.

In 1975 Helen married Edward I. Mondane. They enjoyed traveling extensively in the United States; visiting relatives in other states and entertaining at home. 

In 1999 returning to their Methodist roots Helen and family became members of Bethel Memorial A.M.E. Church, Rev. C. Dennis Williams was Pastor at that time; Helen truly believed that she had found the church home that she had been seeking.

Helen loved her church and was a dutiful Christian who was committed to every aspect of

her new church.  Helen sang in the choir, was a member of the Finance Committee, Missionary Board, Bereavement Committee and Class Leader.  Helen served the church and the community with her bread ministry and was often referred to as the ‘bread lady.’

Early most mornings she would go from store to store picking up bread and taking it to homeless shelters, churches, and to the elderly in the community.  Helen would gather

clothing and blankets to be taken to shelters or perhaps to someone in her community of

Linda Vista who might be in need.  All items were washed before they were given out.  Although being on a fixed income Helen found solutions to cover the extra expenses.

Helen would often include her grandchildren in picking up bread or feeding the homeless.

This was her way of teaching them that it is important to give back and to never judge a book by its cover.  Helen was a devoted Christian from humble beginnings which was the driving

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force of her love and kindness for others less fortunate than herself.  Wise and humble she navigated the challenges of life with grace and determination.  

Six days a week Helen could be found doing some form of volunteer work either at Holy Family Catholic Church; attending to bible study, feeding the homeless at Horizon Church

and attending meetings at Bethel.  Without question the seventh day was devoted to God.

For 25 years Helen volunteered as an Election Poll Worker, for 26 years she attended Bible Study Fellowship classes and also served as the Treasurer.  Over the years, she became a friend and sometimes family to those who volunteered with her.

Helen worked for Solar Turbines as an Electronic Assembler and was promoted to Dispatcher until she retired.  During her employed years Helen worked for Cubic, North Island Military Base, Teledyne Ryan, International Harvester, Voice and View Point Newspaper and as a Demo Specialist for Costco with her sister Juanita.  

Helen considered her daughter Pat to be her best friend; they had an unwavering relationship of love and support for each other.

A few years ago Helen was diagnosed as having dementia.  Due to unfortunate circumstances

and illness Helen’s daughter moved her into her home taking over the care of her mother. Pat was with Helen when she bid farewell to this life.   

The afternoon of April 1, 2019 Helen K. Gregory was called Home to the open arms of God joining her parents, siblings, daughter, son and niece who preceded her in death.

Helen leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Patricia Johnson, son, Geoffrey Blevins,

granddaughters, Kimberly McGough (Mark), Melissa Johnson, Geonelle Carnethon (Greg),

great-grandchildren, Chadd-Gregory Johnson, Lauryn Gabriel, Mervain Cutler III, Zakarai Carnethon, Amare Carethon and Ozias Carnethon.  Major Albert H. Gregory, Jr. USA (Ret), adopted daughter Carol Williams, other relatives, Bethel A.M. E Church Family, extended family and friends. 

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