Pastor Helen V. Johnson

Elder Helen Vickers Johnson, affectionately known as Pastor Helen, entered eternal rest on April 17, 2025, at age 91, surrounded by the warmth of her beloved family and cherished friends. She was the daughter of the late Rosa and Elijah Vickers. Born on July 28, 1933, in Latta, South Carolina, she spent her early years there, receiving her education in the local public schools. In 1951, Helen married her childhood sweetheart, Elder Robert L. Johnson, Pastor of Faith Temple Worship Center. Their union had five children: Robert Jr., Bernice, Levon, Kathy, and Tracy. She devoted her life to family, faith, and ministry, demonstrating love, wisdom, and service.

Her gospel ministry began under the pastorship of Elder Lloyd P. Williams, and in 1975, she took on the mantle of evangelist. She was later ordained as an Elder under Bishop R.H. Cross Sr under the Apostolic Faith Churches of God Live On, Inc.. In 1998, she became co-pastor of Faith Temple Worship Center, faithfully serving alongside her husband for 12 years. Before his passing, Elder Robert Johnson appointed Helen as his successor, and on February 27, 2011, she was installed as Pastor.

Pastor Helen was a pillar of faith, a relentless prayer warrior, and a beacon of kindness. She was a beloved Sunday school teacher and a dedicated spiritual leader who deeply loved the Lord. Her service extended throughout the Apostolic Church Organization, where she held numerous positions, including: President of the AFCOGLO Disability Society, Member of the Finance Committee for the Women’s Conference, Advisor to the Presbyterian Board, Member of the Annual Conference Program Committee, and Assistant Superintendent of the 3rd District Sunday School Union.

Because of her humility and prayer-filled life, Pastor Helen found favor with God. Her ministry flourished, and she continuously looked to go "onward and upward with the Lord," believing in the promise that "Eye hath not seen, nor ears heard, neither have entered into the hearts of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." Pastor Helen’s life was a testament to the power of love and faith in action. From her journeys worldwide to her tireless service at home, she left an indelible mark on everyone blessed to know her. Her spirit remains ever-present, shining in the hearts of all she touched.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elder Robert L. Johnson, and her son, Levon (Pokey) Johnson. Left to cherish her memory are: four children; Robert Johnson Jr. of Brooklyn, NY, Bernice J. Olds, Kathy Johnson, and Elder Tracy Mitchell, all of Virginia Beach, VA; one sister, Dorothy C. Butler of Philadelphia, PA, one sister-in-law, Eva M. Scott, and a brother-in-law, Hayward Johnson of Virginia Beach, VA, Nine grandchildren: Meshelle McNair, Louis Olds, Vershawn Johnson, Leticia Olds, Levon Holloway, Ronnie Johnson, Velencia Holloway, Uranius Johnson, and Tamika Mitchell, twenty great-grandchildren; Three God-children: Jacquelyn Strickland, Hope Paige and Barbara Bulls; five special daughters, Audrey Watson, Marion Watson, Jannie Mays, Alice Faulk, Prophetess Beverly Downs, and Apostle Phyllis Young, a special caregiver, Betty J. Johnson, two special sons, Elder Johnnie Sawyer and Daniel L. Wilson, a special grandson, Trevon Olds and a host of other relatives and many friends.

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." – 2 Corinthians 5:8