Helen Lillian Maphis (Age 79) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Helen Lillian Maphis, affectionately known as "Hel" was born on December 11, 1939 in Falls Church, VA.  Helen was preceded in death by her parents, the late Arthur Franklin and the late Pauline Lillian Maphis. She departed this life on January 24, 2019 surrounded by family at Southern Maryland Hospital.

Helen was the oldest of three children. She was raised and educated in the District of Columbia. Helen was proud of her two children, daughter Debra and son James; both reside in Schofield, Wisconsin. She was blessed with 4 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

Helen loved going with family and friends to Myrtle Beach and Deep Creek. She had a passion for putting puzzles together and playing slot machines. She loved talking on the phone to her best friend Joan Cooper.

Helen and her sister Jean raised their late sister, Waunita's five children at young ages, along with their own.  The sisters did this with unconditional love and passion.  While her sister Jean was working, Helen took on raising all the kids. She not only cooked the meals and cleaned the house for everyone, she  walked everyone to school every day until they were in high school.  She also raised three generations of the family's children. Helen and her sister, Jean were joined at hip, you would never see one without the other.

Helen had no problem in telling anyone how she felt or what she thought about anything.  If she said it – it was usually the truth. She was woman of a carefree lifestyle and lived life to the fullest. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her sister, Waunita Ann Doss and niece Robin Marie Doss-Gray. She leaves to mourn, children Debra Jean Brent (Charles) and James Maphis, sister, Jean McCall, niece, Darlene (Marcus) Smith – nephews: Rodney Doss, Steven (Lakia) Doss, Timothy Doss, and Anthony "Tony" Jones. Her great niece, Janea Washington (Robin's daughter) Janea's two children: Kharon and Gisille, Jacob Howard (John's son) who all kept her smiling and a host of other family and friends.

Her Viewing will be, 10:00 am, until time of Service, 11:00 am, Friday, February 1, 2019 at Union United Methodist Church, 14418 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772.

Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, Maryland 20735.