Helen Varolyn Cohen

Helen Varolyn (Jordan) Cohen began her earthly journey on February 6, 1926, in Hope, Arkansas. She was born the youngest of two children in a close-knit family to Henry Roosevelt Jordan and Robbie Green Jordan. Helen’s older sister, Juanita affectionately called her “Baby Helen” her entire lifetime. This was the name she was also called by her parents. Helen’s parents were the greatest influence in her life. They were dedicated Christians and educationally oriented. They made sure she and her sister, Juanita had all the necessary tools for school. Helen confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of seven and was baptized at the Morning Star Baptist Church in Hope, Arkansas. When the family relocated to Monroe, Louisiana they joined Mount Nebo Baptist Church. She and her sister were very active in Sunday School and B. T. U. “Baptist Training Youth Group. When the family relocated to Toledo, Ohio they became members of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Helen was a Founding Charter Member of United Missionary Baptist Church (1983). She served on several committees and was a Trustee. She was an avid fundraiser. Helen’s family was very loving, caring and helpful to one another. Family above all else was instilled in all of the descendants of Roosevelt and Robbie. Terran, Helen’s only child was the baby of the entire Jordan clan. After the death of her sister Juanita, she became the surrogate mother to her niece Helen and her nephew James. Helen’s parents stressed education. That foundation created a desire for academic achievement throughout her life. When Helen was entering middle school her father’s job caused the family to relocate to Monroe, Louisiana from Hope Arkansas. At the beginning of her senior year of high school her father moved to Toledo, Ohio for a better job opportunity. The family remained in Louisiana until Helen’s graduation. She graduated from Monroe Colored High School in 1942 at the age of sixteen with top academic honors. Helen entered Tennessee State University in the fall of 1942 as a nursing student. She changed her major to education her sophomore year. Living in the dormitory was quite an experience for her. The Greek organizations were helpful and encouraging. She was acquainted with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated from a relative Cora Woodward who resided in Monroe, Louisiana who was also one of her high school instructors. Helen was only interested in the A.K.A.'s. However, since her schoolwork was so demanding she decided to wait until later to join. Helen graduated from Tennessee State University in 1946 with a High School Teaching Certification. She worked for one year in McKenzie, Tennessee. Returning home to Toledo, she took odd jobs because there were no teaching positions open in her field of certification. In 1948 she was married and became a stay-at-home wife and mother. During that time, she worked in her church, Mount Zion with auxiliaries, teaching Sunday School and supporting community organizations and youth activities. In 1951 several A.K.A.’s approached her after church activity and asked why she had delayed following up on her pledge to the sorority. Now that her daughter was older, she decided this was the perfect time. In 1951 she entered Mary Manse College to earn her certification in Elementary Education. Greek organizations were not allowed there. Alpha Lambda Chapter was a City Chapter represented by several colleges in the area. They accepted students from Mary Manse. In January 1952 Helen was initiated into Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The chapter was made up with under-graduate and graduate Sorority members. On April 25, 1952, the Zeta Alpha Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was chartered and Helen became a Charter Member. She served as the first Treasurer. She has held every office in the chapter except Graduate Adviser. As Chapter President she had the opportunity to assist in getting Iota Iota Chapter chartered at Bowling Green State University. When Zeta Alpha Omega voted to establish a foundation, Helen was appointed as the Chairman by the chapter president, Margaret Huntley. She served as Chairman for 17 years and the Committee raised enough money to make a down payment on a building. She gave up the Chairmanship due to health reasons. Helen’s teaching career began at Roosevelt Elementary School as a first-grade teacher. She continued her education at the University of Toledo earning a (M.Ed.) Master of Education and Educational Specialist. Her leadership abilities were recognized by her principal and the Toledo Board of Education. The positions she had were Unit Leader, Curriculum Specialist, Consultant for Multi-Unit Schools, Assistant Principal, and Principal. She was also employed by the University of Toledo working with Student Teachers. Helen co-authored “The King School Story”, “The Classroom Teacher as a Teacher Educator’, and the University of Toledo Educational Comment 1972. Helen was active with many professional organizations including Delta Kappa Gamma, Pi Lambda Theta, and Toledo Association of Administrative Personnel. Helen was also a member of Top Ladies of Distinction. Helen’s greatest joy was her family. When Terran and Robert blessed her with her first grandchild she began making plans for all of the values she wanted to share with them. All three, Cohen, Brandon, and Brandolyn, did not disappoint. The twins graduated from her alma mater Tennessee State University and Cohen from Oakland University. On Friday, April 5, 2024, Helen’s earthly journey ended. She was preceded in death by her father Henry Roosevelt Jordan, mother Robbie Jordan, and sister Juanita Jordan Lyons. She leaves to cherish her memories, daughter Terran (Robert) Johnson, grandchildren Cohen LaMarr Johnson, Brandon Johnson and Brandolyn Johnson, niece Helen Hart and nephew James Lyons, grand nieces Tanya Lyonsford and Tanisha Lyons as well as three God sent daughters Essie Haynes, Sondra Talbert, and Kim Duszynski. She will also be remembered and loved by a host of other family members and friends.

Helen Varolyn Cohen

February 6, 1926 - April 6, 2024