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Helena Tyrell-Joseph, affectionately known as Ernestine, transitioned to be with God and her ancestors January 20, 2024. She was born March 30, 1946, to Louis “Sonny” Tyrell and Sylvine Brookes in Charlestown, Nevis.
Ernestine lived with her mother in Pond Hill, Nevis until she was 4-years old. At that time, she went to live with her father and paternal grandmother in Basseterre, St. Kitts. When her father moved to England in the 1960’s, Ernestine and her grandmother moved back to Nevis on Hermitage Rd, Pond Hill, with her Uncle John.
In 1971, after the passing of her grandmother on January 4, 1970, Ernestine moved to Rio Piedras, PR, in search of better employment and life opportunities in support of her mother, and three children, Dennis, Susie, and Carol.
In 1980, she moved to St. Thomas, USVI with all her children to include the newest addition, Orly. It was at this time she started using her legal name Helena.
Helena worked at the Cyril E. King International Airport for over 35 years first at Prinair, and then at Avis Rent-A-Car, until her retirement in 2017.
In 2012, Helena married her best friend and love of her life, Leroy Joseph. They made a beautiful life together, building their dream home, and traveling abroad to visit family and friends.
Helena was a member of Christ Church Methodist and was involved in the hospital ministry and president of the Dorcas Women’s Club.
Helena is preceded in death by, her father, Louis Tyrell, mother, Sylvine Brookes, uncle, John Jones, brother, Donald Brookes, and daughter-in-law Rochelle Paris White-Tyrell.
She is survived by husband Leroy. Her children, Dennis (Peach) Tyrell, Shelda “Susie” (Orville) Roberts, Carol (Charles) Hendrickson, and Orly White-Tyrell. Grandchildren Orville Jr, Nailah and Zawadi Dore-Tyrell, and grand-dog, Bella. Siblings, Reginald
“Star”, Felicia “Coolie Gyal, Idonie “Bobsie”, Anita “Ann”, Annette, Joyce, David, Deborah, and Jennifer. Numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends.
A memorial service will take place Monday, January 29, 2024 with a viewing starting at 11am and service at 12pm at Tim Stewart Funeral Home, Gwinnett Crematory, 300 Simonton Rd SW, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. Repass to immediately follow at Beaver Ruin Baptist Church Life Center, 1200 Beaver Ruin Rd, Norcross, GA 30093.
There will be a memorial service in St. Thomas, USVI to be held at a later date.
Georgia Cremation in Duluth is assisting the family with arrangements.
Jasmin Blanc says
Sincere condolences from my family to yours. Your Mom was beautiful inside and out, continue to live in her legacy.
Arlene Robert says
My Condolences to the Tyrell family. I am so sorry for your loss. God is with you so celebrate a life well lived. Remember the good times. She was a beautiful mom and will never be forgotten. Remember you will see her again.we love you all Auntie Susie.
Praying for you all
Layne, Arlene, Arnelle, Rhea.
Starr E St Jean says
My deepest condolences going put to Shelda and the entire family.
My dearest. Mom, I will miss your beautiful smile and most of all your encouraging phone conversations.
You will definitely be missed by many!
Rest in eternal peace beautiful Queen! I’ll will see you again.
Love you forever !
Crystal Charleswell says
My sincere condolences to the entire Tyrell Family. My prayers and thoughts are with the family. Aunt Helena, your affectionate smile, love, and support towards Camal and I . You will truly be missed! We will definitely treasure our Methodist Church days of how important we must always put God first. Thank you for all that you have done for us!
Rest in peace to our amazing God Mother!!
Love Always,
Crystal & Camal C.
Sherry Dore Morris says
Deepest condolences Leroy, Dennis, Susie, Carol, Orly and the entire Tyrell-Joseph family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Queen Helena is gone but she will never be forgotten. May GOD comfort you and grant you peace during this challenging time.
May her soul rest in peace.
Sherry, Cherise and Shaun, Majestee, Cally, Kaliyah and Kaiser.
Yolande George says
Our condolences to the entire family on your lost.May God comfort you in this time of grief.
Remember the good time you had together.
The Roberts family
Marcia Punancy says
My condolences to the Tyrell family. The Lord will mend your aching hearts. Remember that beautiful smile always. Rest in Peace sweet angel.
Marie M Nicolas says
May her soul rest in peace. My condolences to the Tyrell family during such a difficult time.
Chara Cruz says
My thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow following the loss of your mother. I would like to wish you comfort during this difficult time, and my deepest sympathies go to you and your family.
Hannah says
My deepest condolences to the family especially Suzie who I adore so much she never stop speaking about her mom. Trust God you will all meet her in Heaven.
Jacky says
“My dear friend and mom away from home I still can’t believe you’re gone. The world seems a bit emptier without your infectious laughter and your incredible kindness. I feel so blessed to have called you my friend,and I am forever grateful for the precious time we spent together. Fly high my queen and angel.
Jeana says
To the family, my condolences, may God comfort and console each and everyone one of you, may his spirit fills the empty space in your hearts. A mother that wants all of the happiness in the world for her children. She was such a beautiful soul. Miss Helena your work here on earth is done. Rest in the arms of your savior. Rest in paradise.
Jeana says
One of my fondest memories of miss Helena, every party Susie carol and I attended, coming home late, the next morning she will always called my mom to verify what time did I get home, to see if Susie and Carol story and timing matches up with mines. Many a times we had to take our shoes off at the top of the street, for the neighbors dogs not to bark, because we were coming in late.