Reveren Marie A. Helai

Marie Ann Piece was born on April 9, 1946, in Melrose, Louisiana to Willie and Sevelia Piece. Marie was the fifth of ten children. Raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord, Marie accepted the Lord as her Personal Savior at the age of 9 years old, and has been active in the Church all her life. She sang in the choir, worked on the Usher board, Mission Board, and taught Sunday School.

Marie received her formal education from the Natchitoches Parish School District, graduating from

St. Matthew High School in 1964. After graduating from High School, she moved to Houston, Texas. In 1965, Marie was united in Holy Matrimony to her High School Sweetheart, Atlas Helaire II. Through this union five children were born.

In 1969, with two children in tow, they relocated to California, where they immediately united with the Baptist Temple M.B.C. (Pastor W. Pamilton).

Marie worked for the Compton Unified School District as a Teacher's Aide for 6 years. She then transitioned into Communications and worked as a telephone operator at Pacific Bell, and later as a Manger and Supervisor with AT&T.

Marie retired in 1997, after which becoming a homemaker and full time in ministry. Marie made her confession to the Ministry on August 31, 1994 and preached her first message September 25, 1994. She was Licensed as a Gospel Minister on April 15, 1995 and ordained by the Baptist Ministers Crusaders Conference on January 11, 1996.

While Marie was not in possession of a formal collegiate degree, in the last few years her motto had become, I don't know much about History, Biology, a Science book or the French I took. But I do know that the spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her favorite Scripture was John 3:16; “For God so loved the world...”

In January 2011, Marie was diagnosed with cancer. For 2½ years, she fought a good fight and kept the faith. And, on the morning of Monday, August 5, 2013, God came to the rescue and called Marie from labor to reward.

She leaves to cherish her legacy, her husband and Pastor, Mr. Atlas Helaire II; five children: Rendwick D. Helaire (Lorenda), Jarvis C. Helaire (Sabrina), Lawana I. Helaire, Atlas Helaire III, (Shannin), and Angel S. Helaire; 11 grandchildren: Travon, Jamel, Lauryn, Tyler, Emani, Nia, Jordyn, Rendwick II, Jarvis II, Trinity and Addison; five great grandchildren: Kynzo, April, Ailey Zanovia, and Tranae Danielle; father, Willie Piece Sr. of Natchitoches, LA; eight siblings: Annie Helaire (Jesse), Aaron Piece, Sr. (Ola), Edwin Piece Sr. (Leona), Margie Sowell (Rufus), Martha Robinson, Mary Davis (Jerome), Gloria Sowell (Luther), Brenda Roberson (Kenneth); and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends! Her mother Sevelia Piece, and one brother, Willie Piece, Jr. preceded her in death.

To God be the Glory for the things He has done!