Helen Jones Gorrell, 88, Lusby

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008

She was born in Ohio on Aug. 9, 1920, to Robert Franklin Jones and Peggy Clark Jones.

She moved to Washington, D.C., as a child and graduated from Central High School in 1938.

She met and fell in love with Eugene B. Gorrell, and they were married on Oct. 14, 1939. They resided in Northeast Washington, D.C., before moving to Hyattsville in 1951.

She had four children, Suzanne Lindsay, Grier Smokovich, Beth Wilkinson and Robert Kelly Gorrell.

She was extremely active in the Catholic parish of St. John Baptist de la Salle from 1951 through 1980. For nearly 30 years, she served as the adult advisor to the Children’s Youth Organization teen club at St. John’s providing direction, guidance and a place to have fun for thousands of teens. She oversaw a variety of activities from Sunday night dances to trips to World Fairs and weekly volleyball games. Both she and her teen club won multiple awards and honors from the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., for their accomplishments.

She and her husband moved to Drum Point in 1980 where she became active in many local programs and activities. She was instrumental in forming the Drum Point Property Owner’s Association. She also pursued her favorite hobby — painting — using local settings and wildlife as her preferred subjects. She also enjoyed her weekly outings for bridge and lunch with ‘‘the girls.”

In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her grandchildren, Stephanie, Jay, Amy, Marybeth, Kellyann, Molly, Kate, Keegan, Emily, Robert Kelly, Keith Allen and Christopher; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Family received friends Aug. 24 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

Interment was private.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Democratic National Committee, 430 S. Capitol St., S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003.

Arrangements were provided by Rausch Funeral Home in Lusby.