Mary “Helen” Castleberry, 91 of Pleasantville, New Jersey passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on January 30, 2021. She was born on February 19, 1929 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Newark, New Jersey by her loving adoptive mother Elizabeth Maddox “ Mama”. Helen valued her relationship with her father, Wilbur Edwards and maternal aunt, Marjorie English in Philadelphia.

Helen graduated Central High in Newark in 1947 where she studied business. She went on to establish a lengthy career as Claims Supervisor with the New Jersey State Department of Employment in downtown Newark. Helen was known for her stellar work ethic, committed diligence, dedication and loyalty to her job. Helen never missed a day of work in over 33 years and earned numerous awards.

She was a loving mother to her two sons, Clifford and Lee.

Helen was known for her beautiful smile, pleasant and warm personality. She will also be remembered for her stylish fashion sense. Helen had a wardrobe of hats and shoes in just about everything style and color. However, she will be remembered most of all for her tireless expression of love and generosity.

She became a member of Salem United Methodist Church where she was a Class Leader serving on the Usher Board, After School Program and Prayer Ministry Leader with her faithful friend Louise Wakefield. Helen later attended Crossroads Fellowship with her family and enjoyed signing praises to Jesus.

Helen is predeceased by her husband, Garland Castleberry. She is survived by her son Clifford Maddox (Theresa) of Pleasantville, Lee Johnson of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; step son Garland E. Castleberry, Jr ( Elaine) of South Bend Indiana; sister Everal Ames-Edwards of Philadelphia; niece Marjorie Lynn Anderson of Philadelphia, nieces Jammiah Khalid, Ivory Khalid and Everal Campbell of Philadelphia; nephews Ihsan Khalid and Tariq Khalid of Atlanta, Georgia and a host of great nieces and nephews; Helen’s dear childhood friend Mildred Williams of Bordentown.

Lastly the family would like to thank Anjelic Hospice, Loretta Lett, Joyce Nelson and Pastor Matthew Mouliert for being a blessing to Helen.