Helen Beatrice O'Guinn

In Loving Memory of Helen Beatrice O’Guinn Sunrise: 1927 – Sunset: February 10, 2025 

With immense gratitude and joy for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of our beloved Helen, who peacefully transitioned at the age of 97 on February 10, 2025. Born in Alexandria, Louisiana, Helen was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and love in her family and community. She grew up during the depression era, a time of great change and perseverance, embodying resilience and grace throughout her journey. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Helen was always ready to listen…

 Helen moved to Compton, California in the late 1950’s, where she built a warm and loving home with her beloved husband, Amos O’Guinn, with whom she shared 45 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they raised two devoted sons, Bruce O’Guinn, Sr. of Arizona and Patrick O’Guinn, Sr. of Maryland, instilling in them the same dedication to family, learning, and community that defined Helen’s journey.

 Helen had a strong work ethic and worked as a trusted employee managing the local Giddings Pharmacy, before continuing her work as a dedicated office manager for Dr. Matthew Brazille, a respected optometrist, in Compton, California. Her kindness, professionalism, and warm spirit made her a cherished presence wherever she worked. A lifelong learner, Helen’s passion for reading and education never faded. After raising her children, she fulfilled a personal dream by earning her Associate of Arts degree from Compton Community College —a remarkable achievement that inspired those around her.

 Helen dedicated a good part of her life to uplifting others. She often said “I won’t complain” and “you know it could be worse”. Helen was a life member of the iconic United Council of Negro Women, Compton Branch, where she served as Chair of the highly anticipated Annual Spring Fashion Show, raising thousands of dollars for local scholarships that helped future generations. 

Helen also had a vibrant spirit beyond her community work. She was a talented seamstress making most of her own clothes during the time she raised her young family. She also sewed for family and friends. Helen loved all kinds of music and was an avid dancer serving as supporting member of the close-knit Wayne Taylor Dancers, a performance group that brought joy to local senior centers and venues through country-western and line dancing. It was a wonderful time spent with friends! Her graceful steps and lively performances were a testament to her zest for life and love of movement. 

Helen’s Christian faith was the foundation of her life. One of her sayings was “God just keeps on blessing us”. As a dedicated member of Little Zion Baptist Church in Compton, CA, Helen served on multiple committees and was a faithful usher, always greeting churchgoers with a warm smile and a welcoming heart. Even after moving to Maryland, she continued her service at St. John Baptist Church, where she remained active in the Golden Hearts Ministry a service and social organization for seniors. The Golden Hearts held coat drives and collected gifts for families in need and took fun travel excursions forging lifelong relationships along the way. A special weekly joy was Helen’s membership in “The Posse”, a name Deacon Merritt gave to Gloria Owens, Pat Speights, Mary Jones and Helen O’Guinn after noticing the four of them sit together after each church service to “solve all the problems of the world”. For many years, The Posse also danced together performing as the “Columbia Steppers”. Helen also continued ushering at St. John Baptist Church and even contributed to making film about ushering. 

Whether through her work as a church, or community volunteer, she touched countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, dignity, and unwavering faith. Her faith in God was unshakable. She was a proud member of St. John Baptist Church for over 20 years, serving with devotion and joy. One thing Helen’s cherished friends knew about her was that “she would never be seen in public without her stick.” 

A celebration of her extraordinary life will be held on March 22, 2025 at St. John Baptist Church, 9055 Tamar Drive Columbia, MD 21045 service at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. John Baptist Church Food Pantry in her honor, continuing her legacy of love and service.