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Helen Gist Obituary

Helen Morton Gist, age 93, passed away on June 16, 2015, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Born and raised in New Haven, CT, she was a resident of Baton Rouge for nearly 60 years. Helen was the daughter of the late Joseph Samuel and Adina Morton and the sister of the late Joseph Vincent and Calvin Morton. She was the beloved wife of James C. Gist Jr.; the mother of James Gist III, Jacalyn Gist and Rosalyn Gist Porter; and the grandmother of Kai Porter. She taught music education at Southern University for 35 years and gave piano lessons to hundreds of children in her Gist Piano Studio for more than 40 years. Helen was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for 51 years. The Baton Rouge Sigma Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will honor her at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, at Winnfield Funeral Home, 7221 Plank Road, Baton Rouge, LA. Services will be held at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, 1322 Church Street, Zachary, LA, on Wednesday, June 24, at 11 am. Interment will be at Winnfield Funeral Home. Immediately following, a repast will be held at Delta Sigma Theta Baton Rouge Sigma Alumnae offices, 688 Harding Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA. Flowers can be sent to Winnfield Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Advocate on Jun. 23, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Gist

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Woodie Douglas

September 29, 2019

Ms. Gist was a "light" in my music journey and as a freshman at S.U., much needed guidance. Thanks, ... and now rest in peace knowing that you made a difference.

Rosalyn Gist Porter

July 5, 2015

On behalf of the Gist family, we are comforted by the kind words friends, former students and colleagues left in this guest book. We now have an angel looking over us in heaven. Thank you for sharing your memories of my mother!

Wynona Johnson-McAfee

July 1, 2015

To Rosalyn and the entire Gist family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. May God continue to surround you with His love and strength as you go through this difficult journey. Be comforted that she is with God and another guardian angel to watch over you and the family. Praying for you all. Take care.

Verretta Webb-Johnson

June 26, 2015

To the Gist Family:
May God give you strength and comfort you during this difficult time. My mother Mrs. Shirley Coutee Webb worked in the Music Department with Mrs. Gist for many years. My family and I send our condolences to you for the loss of such a great woman and educator. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. She will be greatly missed by us all!

Mrs. Shirley Coutee Webb

Steve and Saundra Yancy McGuire

June 25, 2015

To Mr. Gist and Family,
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Gist. She was a wonderfully talented musician, a gifted educator, a devoted member of Phi Delta Kappa, and an inspiration to all. It is our prayer that God's loving grace and your wonderful memories will sustain you during this time. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot bear. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you.

In His Love,

Rev Connie Foster-Breaux

June 25, 2015

May God enfolds each of us in the days to come in our lost of Helen, Your Wife,your mother ,soror,mentor and my friend. God bless!

Connie Breaux

June 25, 2015

Dear Helen Gist
God never makes a mistake. God knew that you would be the compliment to my professional journey. Thank you for believing in me even when I did not believe I could, you knew I would .
I am missing you so much,tell my Madear I am pressing on until We meet again

Ron Posey

June 25, 2015

The Gist Family

A neighbor for 50 years,
a classmate and friend;
many happy memories.

Our thoughts and prayers...

Ron Posey, AIA and Family

Celeste Sanders

June 25, 2015

To the Gist family: I am greatly saddened to know that one of my favorite teachers and role models has passed away. I have so much respect and admiration for your mother. Because my mother is ill, I was unable to make the services. I sincerely hope that you all bear this loss with a sense of serenity. Heaven opened up for Mrs Gist; the loss is ours. Best regards, Celeste (Tyson) Sanders and Family

C. Jean Walker

June 24, 2015

The Gist Family,
It has been very difficult to realize the loss you are feeling. As I got to know & appreciate her, your wife/mom was always very frank & honest with me. I will miss that greatly. Celebrating her life well lived, we will cherish her memories always and she will continue to live in our hearts forever. Our prayers are with your family in this time of reflection. My family sends our deepest sympathy and sincere thoughts. Blessings always,

Thomas J. Brown,Jr.

June 23, 2015

I'm thankful that the Lord as allowed Helen Gist to pass this way.She has been a great inspiration in my life and my music.I will always remember the wonderful person and teacher she was to me!

Juanita Mathieu

June 23, 2015

With deepest sympathy rest in peace

Maurice Manuel-Miles

June 23, 2015

It is difficult for me to express my emotions and thoughts concerning Mrs. Helen Gist. To me she was always soft spoken, in control, thoroughly knowledgeable and confident. She always carried herself with respect, pride and dignity. Thank you for all that you taught and encouraged me to do. Thank you for our one-on-one conversations that went beyond the teacher/student boundaries when you shared your insight, expertise and wisdom. I will always remember Mrs.Helen Gist. My family and I deeply and sincerely share your loss.

Selah

Kehsia&Joe Hicks

June 23, 2015

...he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more... Our condolences to the Gist family.

irvin jones

June 23, 2015

I loved mrs. gist. my mother, negatha k. jones Wallace and mrs. gist were very close friends. when my mother died, mrs. gist became a replacement. we use to have long talks on the phone. I know my mom and mrs. gist are having a good time in heaven. we are losing to many of our great ladies. mrs. gist was one great lady. and to the rest of my howard university alumni gist family, if I can do anything for you please let me know. you are in our prayers.

Dr. Erma Hines

June 23, 2015

Please know that I share your sadness as you mourn the loss of your wife and mother. I shall always remember Helen for her dedication and commitment to the Music Department at SUBR. She will be sorely missed.

Joseph Murry III

June 23, 2015

To a Great Music Educator who cared for her students. You will be missed.

June 23, 2015

Mr. Gist, James, Jacalyn, Rosalyn, and other family members--I offer heartfelt condolence for your Mom, my greatly respected piano teacher, and 79th Avenue neighbor.

My fondest memory of your Mom was at recital when I hesitated during my performance, we made eye contact (my eyes were full), she gently nodded, and I confidently completed my piece.

May God continue to bless and strengthen you.
---Sonita Albert

Joann Gist

June 23, 2015

You will be a part in my life forever my your rest be in the arms of God. He hads work for you in heaven madea rest on now.

Jennifer Beckwith

June 22, 2015

The memories of Helen Gist will live on for the many students and Delta Sorors that were fortunate to have encountered her at Southern University and the Baton Rouge Community at large. A legacy of forthright service, and dedication were just a few of her many attributes. She was not an Ordinary Woman. As you her family say goodbye, know she is mourned by many and our loss too is great. Take comfort in her accomplishments, talent and fortitude. Blessings to each of you.

Terrel K

June 22, 2015

The members of Mu Phi Epsilon Professional International Music Fraternity are deeply saddened by this news. Mrs. Gist, one of Beta Zeta Chapter's early faculty advisors was a teacher and mentor to many musicians who once attended Southern University. She has a lasting legacy that will forever live in Debose Hall.

Judy Arnette Guilbeaux-James, PhD

June 22, 2015

My mentor--the lady whose duties and responsibilites I assumed when she retired! Her expertise will forever be embedded in my teaching practices. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Gist family.

Joyce O'Rourke

June 22, 2015

Mrs. Helen Gist was a committed music educator and colleague at Southern University until her retirement. Afterwards, many of her former students spoke highly of her as their piano teacher. Additionally, she extended her talent to her sorority, her church and her community, especially via a piano teachers' organization and the DeBose Piano Competition. Indeed, she will be missed.(Personally, I'll miss our exchanges at Piccadilly.)
Heartfelt sympathy to the family,
Joyce W. O'Rourke, Associate Dean
College of Education, Arts and Humanities, Southern University

June 21, 2015

I was saddened to hear about the death of Mrs. Gist. My heartfelt condolences to her family.

Jeanne Johns Adkins

June 20, 2015

My husband, Aldrich W. Adkins was head of the Music Division at Southern University and, when we arrived on campus the first day, he was delighted to see Helen Morton (Gist) his former Music Department classmate from Howard University. We, his family, share your loss.

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Winnfield Funeral Home - Baton Rouge

7221 Plank Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70811

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