Helen Waters

On June 22, 2025, after a long life and a recent decline in her health, God opened His arms and welcomed His angel, Helen Waters to eternal peace and reward. Helen was born on April 03, 1929, to the late Gladys and Boyce Jordan, Sr. just fi ve minutes before her twin sister Thelma - who preceded her to glory in 2007. She was the second of the fi ve Jordan children. The Jordan household was one where the gospel of Jesus Christ was taught, shared, and lived.
Helen was born and raised in the Elmwood (currently Penrose) section of Philadelphia and educated in the Philadelphia school system. As a young girl, she was an avid reader and was often found reading romance novels. After high school, she was employed at a laundry where she met her soon to be husband, the late Granville H. Waters. The two were married in 1949 and God blessed this union with three children, Ronald, Jacqueline (Atiya) and Anthony (Tony). Helen was loving, supportive and proud of her children. Her friends would listen patiently to countless stories of their accomplishments.
Helen lived at 61st and Chestnut Street for 67 years and was known for keeping her home immaculate! Her furniture, windows and fl oors were always shining. She took an equal amount of pride caring for the outside of her home. Unless there was snow on the ground, Helen would be seen sweeping her porch, sidewalk and many times, the street. She spent a small fortune ensuring that her hedges were clipped and the grass cut on a regular basis. While she was not one to go out and party, Helen would always join her son Ronald on the dance fl oor to do "the bop" as they celebrated their joint birthday. An avid Eagles fan, Helen never missed watching a game on TV and would enthusiastically chant E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles after every touchdown!
Helen took her fi rst plane ride when she was in her sixties to visit her daughter Atiya in Arizona. This became a summer ritual, and she visited the state many times over the years. Helen enjoyed the simple things in life, sitting on the porch, family gatherings, watching westerns (she referred to them as "the cowboys"), and talking on the phone to her friends.
Helen worked in the garment industry for many years and was also employed as a domestic worker. As a senior citizen, she attended training to become a home health aide and provided loving care for several clients before retiring. Helen was elected as a committee person and worked alongside her son during elections for years.
Helen began her Christian journey at Calvary Baptist Church and Beulah Baptist Church. When her brother (Bishop Jordan) was called into the ministry, she joined him at Christian Hope Baptist Church where she served faithfully for 30+ years on ministries as an Usher, Pastor's Aide and on the Mother's Board. Helen completed her earthly Christian journey at Holy Trinity Baptist Church. Her loyal friend, Mrs. Roundtree (who was only three months younger), would pick her up for church and drive her home each Sunday. They always stopped at Boston Market to pick up dinner before coming home.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Granville H. Waters, siblings: Thelma White, Lorraine Smalls and Adolph Jordan; two grandsons, Atif Hines and Antoine Williams; her great-grandson Anwar Waters and her son-in law, Michael L. Robinson.
Helen leaves to cherish her precious memory, her sons, Ronald G. Waters and Anthony E. Waters, daughter Jacqueline Atiya Waters, brother and spiritual leader, Bishop Boyce Jordan, Jr., daughter-in-law, Taliah Waters, two sisters-in-law Margaret Jordan and Agnes Waters, 19 grandchildren, as well as great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors and her long-time friend, Lucy Green.
With Love,
The Family
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