Helen Owens

Helen Rose Swinton was born September 28, 1933 in (Happy Bend) Atkins, AR to Charles and

Gertha Lee (Seaton) Swinton. She was the fourth of five girls. Helen Rose accepted Christ at

an early age and was baptized by Rev. I.H. McCray, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church #2, where she

was active member.

Helen Rose graduated from Morrilton High School in Morrilton, AR and participated in the 4H

Club. She continued her education at the National Business College at Tennessee State

University in Nashville, TN. After graduation, she was employed as secretary to the Dean at the

American Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville. In the mid -1950’s Helen Rose moved to

Kansas City, KS. She married and to that union four children were born: Angela, Joyce, James

Jr. and Lesa Owens.

Helen Rose truly loved the Lord, her family and helping others. She worked diligently in

ministry. She was a founding member of Bible Temple Baptist Church where she served in

various capacities: Sunday School Superintendent, New Members class instructor, President of

the City Matrons, 2nd Vice President of Kaw Valley Matrons, General Mission President, Usher,

Mother Board and Financial Secretary.

Helen Rose had a passion for community and education. She worked as teacher assistant at

Hawthorne and Northwest Jr. High schools and served as a Brownie and Girl Scout Troup

Leader for several years. She was the first black female auditor for Dillard’s in Kansas City.

After retirement, she served as the head lady attendant for J.W. Jones Mortuary. Helen Rose

extended her love for children by opening her home. She served the KVC Behavioral Health

Care & Wyandotte County – Region 2 Child Placing Agency for 32 years as a foster parent.

Helen Rose worked with the Wyandotte County Board of Elections from 1965 to 2000. In the

last few years of her tenure, she served as an election supervisor and precinct judge. Helen

Rose worked in the community civic club and was instrumental in securing land for the

community garden. She was a certified Kansas City, Kansas Police Department Citizen on

Patrol.

Helen Rose was an avid reader. She enjoyed watching documentaries and doing Word Find.

She loved playing board games, UNO, Spades and Dominoes. Even in her advanced age, she

was hard to beat.

Helen Rose was preceded in death by her parents and four sisters – Alvert Woody, Mildred

Richardson, Marilyn Holland, Laura Hodge and daughter, Lesa Owens.

She leaves to cherish precious memories her children – Angela Owens McFarland (Joe), Joyce

Owens and James Owens Jr. Grandchildren: Joe McFarland, Jr (Monique), Brandon

McFarland, Brett McFarland (LaMecia) and Meleneeka Clark. Great-grandchildren: McKinley

Jones, Zariah McFarland, Isaiah McFarland and a host of relatives and friends.