“font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;”>September 30, 1911—October 2, 2011
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Helen L. Surzette was born September 2, 1911 to Helen and Lehman Surzette in Natchez, Mississippi. She was an only child.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>She professed her belief in God as a young woman, and was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ under the pastorate of the late Bishop Austin A. Layne. She received the gift of the Holy Ghost in June 1943.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Sister Helen Surzette (aka Carson) loved to serve in the kitchen during Council meetings, selling slices of homemade pie for 15 cents a slice. She worked faithfully in the Tarrying Room along with Mother Hester Davis for many years, praying along with people as they were receiving the Holy Ghost. Almost from the moment she was saved, she demonstrated a burning passion to bring others to Christ. In the 70s, she moved her membership to Lively Stone Church of God, under the leadership of the late Bishop Phillip Lee Scott. She loved her former Pastor and his wife, as well as her present Pastor, Bishop Alphonso Scott and his wife, Sister Phyllis Scott.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Missionary Surzette would spend hundreds of dollars to order tracts to pass out. She believed in “putting your money where your mouth is”. She was directly involved with door-to-door ministry by passing out tracts, collecting discarded Sunday School books and Lively Stone bulletins. She would distribute them all for blocks and blocks in St. Louis neighborhoods, even venturing into taverns and lounges, just to get the message out that “Jesus Saves”. Missionary Surzette was fearless in her witness for the Lord. She also believed in and practiced paying tithes, as well as giving whatever she was asked to give.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>It is to be noted that on October 2, 2011, having lived 100 years and two days, that Missionary Helen L. Surzette advanced from the position of “senior citizen” to the ranks of “centenarian”. She had to make 100, because 99½ just won’t do. But above all, our God willed it so.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>She was preceded in death by her husband, Cleveland Carson. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Eno Payne Butler (Gloria), Carolyn J. Simmons (Emmanuel), Calvin Carson and Clarice Howard (Robert); along with generations of grandchildren; special relatives, Vicki and Tyler McClure, and a host of friends, not to mention the Saints of God.
