Helen V. Shed

Helen Virginia “Waters” Shed was known to many as “Mother Shed.” She was a devoted servant of God who made a profound impact on the lives of not only her own children and family, but also on countless others – especially children from all walks of life.

Helen was born in Mansfield, Louisiana. At the age of 9, she accepted Christ Jesus on a Wednesday evening and was later baptized in a river near Corinth Baptist Church during a tent revival led by Pastor W.M. Tyler.

After graduating from high school, Helen decided to follow her eldest sister, the late Louise Ming, to St. Louis, Missouri. There, she later met and married Mr. Wiley M. Shed, and together they raised six children who worked hard to honor their mother’s commitment to education and servitude. Helen’s impact was evident in the career and educational pursuits of her children.

Helen’s late son, Allen Motley, Jr., was a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8). Bishop Ike Motley, Sr., founder of Action Christian Center Ministries, was called to preach at age 19 while serving in the United States Marine Corps. He has been preaching for 46 years and is currently the Bishop of Action Ministries. Bishop Ike has a Master’s Degree in Theology. Minister Randy Shed, Sr. retired from the Department of the Army and worked at the Pentagon. He holds a Doctorate Degree in Divinity, a Bachelor's Degree in Theology and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. Daughter Helen Shed is currently studying Business Administration with a focus on health care insurance fraud; daughter Donna Green has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Management and a Master’s Degree in Business Communication. Sandy Shed-Mitchell holds a Minor in Psychology and a Master of Science Degree in Nursing with a concentration in Executive Leadership.

Helen dedicated her life to faith-based service, mentoring, and nurturing children in her commu-nity, exemplifying her unwavering commitment to Christ and service. She instilled in her children, grandchildren, family, and everyone who crossed her path the importance of loving Jesus as Lord and Savior and faithfully serving Him.

Helen joined First Baptist Church as a member in the early 1960s under the late Pastor George E. Sebree and continued to serve as a faithful member under Pastor Darren K. Smotherson. She also faithfully served alongside her son, Bishop Ike Motley, Sr., at Action Ministries. Helen attended church service and Sunday School faithfully, along with her six children, during their youth. This was very important to her: having raised her children in a Christian environment, she learned that God is always first.

While attending both church services, she served in various capacities, including working with children of all ages. For more than 62 years, she served as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, director of Easter and Christmas plays, Praise Dance choreographer, mentor, and President of the Women’s Missionary Union. Her dedicated service evoked appreciation and gratitude from those who knew her impact.

Helen loved teaching so much that she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Webster University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Western Bible College, along with many teaching certificates in reading. She taught at Keysor and Westchester Elementary Schools in Kirkwood. She worked as a teacher at the Educare Center located on the former J. Milton Turner School campus for twelve years, teaching and preparing over fifty children for kindergarten.

As an educator, Helen had a true gift for teaching and tutoring children (including some of you in your younger years, perhaps your children, and maybe even your grandchildren). At 92 years of age, she was active, faithful, and continued to serve in her gift with earnest sincerity and delight.

Helen devoted time each day to studying God’s Word, seeking to give her very best to her Master, Christ Jesus. Through her dedication, she continued to serve and teach children – helping them learn to read and guiding them to come to know Jesus! Her unwavering faith and dedication motivated her to serve tirelessly, inspiring others to live out their faith through action and love.

Helen spent the latter part of her life in the comfort of her home, praising the Lord daily, receiving exceptional care from her children and niece, Brigit Brooks, being loved and pampered, and laughing as she made others laugh.

Helen was the matriarch of the family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, auntie and friend. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Allen Motley, Sr. and Wiley Shed. She leaves to cherish her memory: her children and their spouses, Bishop Ike Motley, Sr. of Kirkwood, Missouri; Randy Shed, Sr. (LaTonya) of Crestwood, Missouri; Helen Shed of Clearwater, Florida; Donna Green (Assistant Pastor Larry) of O'Fallon, Missouri and Sandy Shed-Mitchell (Kevin) of Florissant, Missouri. Helen also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, Allen Motley, Jr., Anthony Motley, Taneka Motley (Michael), Armod Motley, Laura Motley, Ike Motley, Jr., LaTeia Shed, Randy Shed, Jr. (Michelle), Matthew Bedell (Synetta), Justin Bedell (Makiya), Nicholas Thiele, Jr.; and 15 great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.

If you had asked Mother Helen Shed, what her motivation and purpose were on this earth, she would have said: “Keep Jesus the Christ my Lord and Savior first and serve him, tell others about the love of Jesus and teach children to learn at a level of excellence.” Her unwavering motivation inspired pride and admiration among those who remember her faithfulness.