Helena began her education in the Pascagoula Public School System, where her love of learning quickly became evident. Gifted with curiosity and a keen mind, she excelled academically and advanced through school quickly, skipping two grades. After graduating from Carver High School in Pascagoula, she continued her studies at Dillard University in New Orleans, a place that would shape both her future and her calling.
On March 31, 1960, Helena married her beloved husband, Cullen Lanier Dubose of Moss Point, Mississippi. Soon after, the couple made Lansing, Michigan, their home for more than 65 years. Together they raised three cherished children – Cheri, Cullen Lanier II, and Freddie – and became devoted members of Trinity A.M.E. Church. Helena freely shared her gifts with the church community, offering her service, support, and love wherever needed.
Helena earned her baccalaureate degree in nursing from Dillard University in 1958 and began her career serving America’s veterans at the United States Veterans Hospital. After relocating to Lansing, she joined the Mercy School of Nursing as an instructor, eventually becoming Associate Director. Her career continued to flourish as she served in several state roles: clinical nurse supervisor with the Michigan Department of Civil Service Health Screening Unit, Health Occupation Coordinator for the Ingham Intermediate School District, and nurse consultant with the Michigan Department of Public Health’s Division of Health Maintenance Organizations. During the early development of HMOs, Helena’s entrepreneurial spirit and leadership helped build systems that supported quality health operations statewide.
Her business acumen extended beyond healthcare. In 1981, Helena became co-owner and manager of two Rapid Photos one-hour photo labs—the first of their kind in the Lansing area—located in the Meridian Mall in Okemos and the Pennsylvania Avenue Meijer in Lansing.
Helena later achieved another historic milestone: she became the first African American woman in Lansing, Michigan, to receive a permit to construct an FM radio station in the tri-county area. From 1986 until her retirement 20 years later, she served as owner, president, and general manager of radio stations WQHH 96.5 FM and WXLA 1180 AM. Under her leadership, the stations helped establish an urban contemporary format in the region and became training grounds for communications students from Michigan State University and Lansing Community College. The stations also played an important cultural and civic role, amplifying community news and events while entertaining a diverse audience—one of Helena’s proudest achievements.
Throughout her varied career and community work, Helena was a beacon for women seeking to lead, reinvent themselves, and pursue meaningful lives. She showed young women that they could excel professionally while nurturing families and contributing to their communities. Later, as a business leader and entrepreneur, she inspired women at every career stage to embrace new opportunities and define success on their own terms. Her life modeled the belief that the value of a gift is measured not only by what is given but by the heart and generosity of the giver.
Helena was deeply committed to service. She devoted her time, talents, and resources to numerous professional and civic organizations, including Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Lansing Alumnae Chapter; The Links, Incorporated, Lansing/East Lansing Chapter; the NAACP; UNCF; and the Zonta Club of Lansing. Her dedication was honored with many awards, including the YWCA Diana Award, recognition from the Lansing Black Lawyers Association, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award, the NAACP President’s Award, and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc Citizen of the Year Award.
Matthew 22:39 declares, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” a command that Helena embodied every day. Whether you were her neighbor, a family member, her gardener, or even a stranger in an airport, she greeted you with warmth, compassion, and kindness. She shared wise counsel, home-cooked meals, and the kind of comforting embrace that made people feel truly cherished.
Helena was preceded in death by: her parents, Freddie and Ethel Joyce; her husband, Cullen Lanier Dubose; her sister, Barbara Joyce Rainey; and her son, Cullen Lanier DuBose II.
She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Cheri Dubose Reid (Al Reid) of Northbrook, Illinois; her son, Freddie DuBose (Briana DuBose) of Beverly Hills, Michigan; four grandchildren—Ariel Reid (Jonas Kemp), Christopher Reid, Aaron DuBose, and Erika DuBose—as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many beloved friends.
Helena Joyce Dubose lived a life of purpose, service, faith, and love. Her legacy shines brightly in the countless lives she touched, and her spirit will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to UNCF, United Negro College Fund
To view the memorial video of Mrs. Dubose, please click this link: https://youtu.be/j5dRKPN_2K4?si=T-m-thrl2fEQtvMs
Rina Risper
Publisher’s note: When Helena served as owner, president, and general manager of radio stations WQHH 96.5 FM and WXLA 1180 AM she was a mentor and was very kind. I would do voiceovers for some of the commercials. She was missed when the radio station was purchased and will always be remembered as a pioneer.
