Helen Clarine Mathews

Helen Clarine (Madden) Mathews was born on May 21, 1938, to Lloyd Madden Sr. and Marjorie McWilliams Madden. She was the third child of four siblings. Her brothers, Lloyd Jr. and Marvin Madden, sister Betty Marlene Dinwiddie, along with their parents, preceded her in death.

Helen Clarine was a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Indiana. She embraced her faith early in life and confirmed her commitment through baptism. Throughout each ministry in which she participated, she consistently demonstrated dedication to service, guided by her religious convictions and love for the Lord.

Helen attended Indianapolis Public School #87 which is located at Indianapolis Ave and West 24th street. She demonstrated outstanding academic and athletic performance, notably as a member of the basketball team, prior to her graduation from Shortridge High School in 1956. After graduation, she began working at the Army Finance and Accounting Center, now called the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), on June 18, 1956.

Helen began to work towards a nursing degree at Hanover College in 1958, while maintaining her position with DFAS. Even though she did not graduate from this college, she ultimately attended the University of Life Experiences, graduating with honors. One of her life experiences included meeting the love of her life, Edward L. Mathews Jr. The couple joined in Holy Matrimony on March 5, 1960. Their marriage resulted in the birth of four children: Cheryl, Edward III, Tina, and Daryl.

Helen remained employed at DFAS, working several different positions throughout her career. She excelled in time management, developing test scenarios and providing an analysis of test results. She also maintained applications of payment computation procedures ensuring the efficiency and accuracy of specific regulations and documents for military personnel.

Helen participated in numerous training sessions, received multiple promotions, and eventually retired on September 23, 1994.

Helen lived a life of service not only serving those in the military through her employment, but also the church and throughout the city. In the 1970’s she began a ministry at the Indianapolis Juvenile Detention Center. She provided services to assist with maintaining the well-being of young people in custody during their stay at the detention center. As a member of Second Moravian Church until the early 1980’s and even when she joined Good Samaritan Baptist Church, she continued to serve the youth at Juvenile Center.

Helen sought additional opportunities to serve and joined Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Calvin Harlin. In 2000, she established the church’s Missionary Society and held the position of President for multiple years.

Through this ministry, goods and services were provided to both the Legacy House and Highland Manor Nursing Home. She was responsible for organizing and planning Black History Programs, Musicals, and Candlelight services, which served as fundraising initiatives to supply Thanksgiving baskets to individuals in need and Christmas gifts for residents of Highland Manor. She also served by lending a hand at the church’s clothing giveaways.

Helen lived a life of service because of her love for God and her love for God’s beloved humans. Even when she was unable to physically go into the church, she would attend both Sunday School and Church services listening in and responding via telephone.

Helen valued her family deeply. She regularly attended the events and activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, regardless of time or location, until she was no longer able. She had particular interest in crafts, arts, and sewing. She also enjoyed traveling and maintaining connections with family and close friends through telephone conversations. Family gatherings, especially those during holidays, were especially significant to her. She often bragged about how large her family was and how much she loved them. She enjoyed watching Christmas movies, sports, westerns, world news and scrolling through social media. She loved playing spider solitaire and was adamant in her strategy in the game Connect 4 which she consistently played with her cherished CNA’s and Home Health Aides.

Helen loved her children and most of all, loved sharing about her beloved husband of 64 years, Edward L. Mathews Jr. who preceded her in death. On April 16th, Helen fell asleep and continued to sleep for two days while her family provided love, laughter and presence as she listened to songs from her favorite artist, Donnie McClurkin.

Helen Clarine (Madden) Mathews departed this earthly life to receive her heavenly reward on Saturday April 18th, 2026, at the age of eighty-seven years, 10 months and 28 days. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving children; Cheryl D. Frazier (Rudolph Sr.), Edward L. Mathews III, Tina M. Guynn (Brian), and Daryl K. Mathews; grandchildren, Patrice N. Guynn, Brittany L. Pulliam (Nicholas), Darus L. Mathews, Holly M. Mathews, Rudolph Frazier Jr., Brandi Wilson (Augdan), and Destiny R. Mathews; ten great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, her close friends Louise Jones and Jean Hines, and host of other friends.