Helen Jane Nelson-Hamlett

Helen Jane Nelson-Hamlett, affectionately known as Mommy Helen to many, entered this world on March 10, 1941, in Augusta, Georgia, born to the late Lu’La Thomas and James Rhodes. Helen joined the US Army and obtained an RN degree. She worked at the Pentagon and performed private duty nursing. She attended Andrews Air Force Base church services while living in Upper Marlboro, MD where she resided for 40 years.  

Helen enjoyed dancing, listening to music, playing cards into the wee hours of the night, bowling, and traveling the world. She loved to cook delicious meals, and all were welcome. A RSVP wasn’t needed because Helen believed in just making sure enough food was prepared for all. Christmas was her favorite holiday. She enjoyed buying gifts for her family and never expected anything in return. During the holiday season, her home would be filled with the sounds of the Temptations Christmas album… “Silent Night” and “Merry Christmas” was on replay. Anytime someone in the family had an issue (personal, legal, or on the job) she was always ready to hop on a call to help…you just might lose your job though when she got done talking to whomever was in charge (lol).   

Helen Jane Nelson-Hamlett, of Brooklyn, Ohio, passed away after a lengthy illness on January 17, 2025. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and husband, Jerrel Hamlett; children, Erica Lewis-Nelson and Trevor Hamlett; siblings, James Robert Rhodes (Roslinda), Earnest Rhodes Sr., Rudine Major, and Margie Thomas. 

Helen is survived by her children: Nathaniel Freeman, Natalie (Kevin) Hubbard, and Theron Nelson; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m. at Brown-Robinson Funeral Home & Celebration Center, 6075 Middle Ridge Road, Lorain Ohio 44053.