Helen Bernice Daugherty

Helen Bernice Duncan Daugherty was born in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky to Jesse David and Viona Elizabeth Duncan. She was raised on the family farm with her parents, siblings, and grandparents. She had an extremely close relationship with her grandmother Angeline who taught her about God’s love, the importance of education and maintaining a quiet and giving disposition. She was responsible for all the young farm animals, which was the beginning of her love for animals. She graduated from W.E. B. Dubois High School at 16 and then attended college at West Kentucky College in Paducah, Kentucky, there she earned an Accounting Degree. After graduation, she moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where she worked at Mammoth Insurance Agency. Eventually she moved to Dayton, Ohio and she continued her work in insurance but soon transitioned into a government position for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). She was employed at Joy Apartments where she stayed for 16 years. Upon leaving her position with HUD, she was employed with First National Bank (now known as PNC Bank). She began her career there as a teller and ultimately retired in the credit card fraud investigation division.

Helen gave her life to Jesus as a young child and was a member of Stepstone Christian Church. When she was older she moved her membership to High Street Christian Church and was active in Sunday School and other ministries. While in Louisville, she was a member of the Women’s Christian Fellowship Ministry and traveled to a variety of conferences throughout the United States. When she moved to Dayton, Ohio, she transferred her membership to Summit Christian Church where she was a member of the Naomi Women’s Ministry, the Benevolent Fund, and the Chancellor Choir. She loved attending Sunday School and she enjoyed her ministry of greeting people as they entered the building, so when you came to worship at Summit, you would be greeted by her smile as she was the first person you would see entering the building. She would greet you with a smile and a warm hug.

Helen and Arthur met in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. Growing up they were play brother and sister. Helen and Arthur were married in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky January 3, 1959. They moved to Louisville and lived there for some time before eventually moving to Dayton, Ohio. Helen wasn’t much of a cook and would often seek help from her niece Rosetta.

Helen loved to watch the Young and Restless and The Bold and Beautiful and would often call friends to discuss it while it was on. She was extremely involved in her children’s lives and never missed a performance, sports competition or event. She made each one feel as if everything they did was “special”! She also had a forever love for animals – the cats would definitely get fed first thing in the morning before anyone. She rescued kittens, puppies, ducks, whatever! But what truly brightened her day were her Grandchildren! She found a whole new meaning of life through their eyes. Playing, laughing, singing and watching them grow was what she enjoyed more than anything. She believed in giving and making sure, above everything you felt LOVED! She didn’t miss a birthday, anniversary or graduation! Chances are you’ve received your fair share of cards from her! She never had a harsh word for ANYONE! Meek and gentle, Helen had a light about her and a smile that would brighten your day, no matter the circumstances. Her favorite song was This Little Light of Mine. After all, the name Helen means Light!

Helen was proceeded in death by her parents Jesse David Duncan and Viona Brown, grandparents, Fred and Angeline Oldham, brothers Edgar J. Moore and Robert Duncan, sisters Birdie Mae Mason and Fredline Razor, and stepdaughter Dr. Paul G. Daugherty.

She leaves to cherish her memories her beloved husband Arthur, son Anthony Daugherty (girlfriend Kim Carter), daughters Regina (David) Houston, and Angeline (Jonathan) Washington. Grandchildren Raven, Philip and Jade Daugherty, Amari Jordan, Eden, Johanna, Jonathan Jr., and Josiah Washington. Great grandchildren Autumn, Kris, Ayla Daugherty, and Daumier Bennett. Nephews Charles Robert (Pam) Mason, Wendell (Shirley) Jones, Michael Daugherty, Michael Cortner, Jerry (Wanda) Jones, Donny Cortner, and David Daugherty, Sr. Nieces Rosetta Anderson and Wanda Mason. Special friends Margot Cunningham and Natalie Smith. Special daughter Cassaundra Dee Ford. A host of great and great great nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Special thank you to nephew Wendell (Shirley) Jones Sr., Natalie Smith, her sister nieces Rosetta Anderson and Wanda Mason, the 6th floor nurses station at Miami Valley Hospital, the Summit Christian Church Family, her seat partner Caroline Joyner, Selah Ministries Church, and the many many family, friends and loved ones who have prayed, visited, called, sent cards, and who have been so  gracious to Helen and the Daugherty family.

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