Helen M. Guyther

  98 Years of Grace, Service, and Love  

EARLY LIFE  

Helen Mason Guyther was born on March 3, 1928, in Midlothian, Virginia, to Henry Mason and Helen Turner Mason. The third of nine children, Helen grew up surrounded by family in the Midlothian community. Over the years, she became the last of her siblings to remain with us, carrying with her the memories, traditions, and love of a close-knit family. 

EDUCATION  

Helen attended Hickory Hill High School, graduating in 1946. From an early age, she had a heart for caring for others, and she followed that calling by pursuing a career in nursing. In 1947, she graduated from the MCV School of Nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse, beginning a lifetime of caring for people both professionally and personally. 

CAREER  

Helen began her nursing career at Petersburg General Hospital, where she worked for five years before continuing her career at Central State Hospital in Petersburg, Virginia, in the pediatrics department. Nursing was more than a job to Helen; caring for people came naturally to her. She was known for doing little things to make her patients feel special, including bringing them treats just to brighten their day. After 35 years of devoted service, Helen retired from Central State Hospital in 1987, leaving behind countless lives touched by her compassion and care. 

FAMILY 

On July 19, 1952, Helen married the love of her life, the late William H. Guyther of Petersburg, Virginia. Together, they made their home in Chester, Virginia, where they built a life centered on family, faith, and love. They shared 34 years of marriage until his passing in 1986. 

Together, Helen and William raised three children: Veronica G. Brown, the late William H. "Billy" Guyther, Jr. and Karen G. Pratt. Her children were an important part of the life she built, and family remained at the heart of who she was. 

Helen was blessed with seven grandchildren, each of whom added joy to her life: Carlos Brown Jr., Courtney Brown, Camille Brown, Desiree B. Rivas (husband Joel Rivas), Jacqueline P. Watkins, Jerome E. Pratt II, and Jordan A. Pratt. 

Her family grew again with the blessing of seven great-grandchildren: Jayani Jones-Brown, Ladaman Brown, Bryson Brown, Adrienne Brown, Cassius Brown, Messiah Rivas and Madison Rivas

Helen is also lovingly remembered by her devoted goddaughter, Jennifer Saunders; her devoted lifelong friend and cousin, Elouise Mason and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family whose lives were made richer by knowing her. 

FAITH  

Helen's faith was a steady foundation throughout her life. She was baptized at an early age and became a member of Swift Creek Baptist Church in Midlothian, Virginia. After her marriage, she joined Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful and continuous member for more than 45 years. She loved serving her church family and did so in many ways: singing in the Senior and Combined Choirs, serving on the Pastor's Aid, and founding the church's Missionary Ministry, a ministry that continues to thrive today. Her faith was not simply something she spoke about; it was reflected in the way she lived, served, and cared for others. 

A LIFE OF SERVICE  

Helen was a devoted member of Electa Chapter No. 7, Order of the Eastern Star, where she faithfully served and was honored as a Past Worthy Matron. Her commitment to service extended throughout the Masonic family, where she was also active in several other affiliated houses and organizations. 

A true servant leader, Helen believed in helping others not only through words, but through her actions. She gave freely of her time, compassion, and resources, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever there was a need. Whether providing food, offering transportation, assisting a neighbor or friend, or simply being present for someone who needed her, she served with kindness and a generous heart. Her dedication to her community and to those around her reflected a life rooted in service, love, and genuine concern for others. 

IN LOVING MEMORY  

Helen Mason Guyther lived 98 years filled with faith, family, service, and love. She will be deeply missed, but the many ways she cared for others will remain a lasting part of her legacy. Her kindness can be seen in the people she helped, her faith in the ministry she built and supported, and her love in the family and friends who will continue to carry her memory forward. Those who knew Helen will  remember not only what she accomplished, but how she made people feel: cared for, welcomed, and never forgotten. 

 "Well done, good and faithful servant." 

Services will be held 12 Noon, Friday, September 4, 2026, at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, 800 Augusta Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Herbert Holly II, Pastor/eulogist. The interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park. 

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6157637?fl=so&fe=fs