Helen Doughty

Helen Sheldora Doughty, born to Rev. Shellie R. Doughty, Sr. and Dorothea M. Doughty and lovingly known as “Mommy,” “Ms. Helen,”, “MawMaw,” and “G” passed away peacefully at 75 years old on April 2, 2025. Her life was a remarkable tapestry of love, strength, humor, and generosity, leaving an indelible mark on her family, friends, and community.

Helen graduated from Eastmoor High School, where she showcased her talents as a gifted athlete and songbird. Her journey into adulthood began when she married John Heflin. Into that union, the future Dr. Jada was born. Helen also married Frederick Goode, having Alisha (Joseph) Saffold and Tameka (Vonzell) Johnson to make “Her Girls” a complete trio. As a room mother, PTA organizer, Brownie and Girl Scout Troop Leader, forever fundraiser and cheerleader in the stands for every game, meet, competition, speech and recital, Helen poured her boundless energy into nurturing her girls and building a life filled with joy and laughter.

After retirement from Ohio Bell and when her daughters were older, Helen embraced her new role as Ms. Helen the Foster Mom, opening her home to more than 20 teenage mothers and their children. She provided a haven of structure and love, teaching life lessons with her trademark mix of tough love and heartfelt support. Ms. Helen’s house provided the foundation that helped them create loving homes for their children and career opportunities for themselves to support their families.

Becoming MawMaw to seven wonderful grandchildren—Curtiss Fleming, Jr., Joseph (Khi) Saffold, III, Toni Wade, Te’a Wade, Jordan Saffold, Raina Jackson, Ryanne Jackson and four great grandchildren Carter, Carson, Jéd and Carii—was Helen’s greatest joy. Her sharp tongue, once wielded to protect and guide, melted in the presence of her grandchildren, leaving her wrapped around their little fingers. From sporting events and competitions to Grandparent Breakfasts and award ceremonies, Helen was their biggest fan, always cheering them on with love and pride.

Beyond her roles as mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Helen was also Past Matron of Utopia Chapter #76 Order of Eastern Star Amaranth Grand Chapter Inc., Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliated, State of Ohio and a Daughter of Alla Baba Ct #75 An Auxiliary of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and South America and Its Jurisdictions, Incorporated. Helen followed in the footsteps of her father and Uncle Ernest Doughty who were members of the Gloria Lodge and Aunt Pinkie Doughty who belonged to Alla Baba Ct #75, contributing to her community with grace and commitment.

Helen will be remembered for her quick wit, engaging personality, and unwavering dedication to her family and friends. She is joining her parents, older brothers, Shellie, Grady and James and nieces Charissee and Samantha as they have all finished their races and taken their rest. Along with her daughters and grandchildren, she leaves to cherish her memory brother, William Doughty, sister, Yolunda (Albert) McDonald, “son” Dennis Harper, sisters-in-law Ruby Doughty and Rosie Doughty, nephews Raymond, Brian, Grady, Jr., and Devon, nieces Sonya, Monica, Tiffanie, and Dorothy, cousin Camille, special friend Ben Harris, Jr., close friends Brenda Reeder and Hazel Smith and a host of extended family members. Her strength and love were unmatched, her laughter infectious, and her legacy enduring. She leaves behind a world that is brighter because she was in it.

The family invites loved ones to celebrate Helen’s life with them at the repast service, where stories, laughter, and cherished memories will be shared to honor a woman who truly was “enough tough love for everybody.”