Mary Helen Quinzella Thomas Jackson of Hampton, Virginia died August 17, 2016 at her family home following a brief illness.   She was 73.

Her parents P. Floyd Thomas, Sr. and Helen C. Thomas (Hampton) preceded her in death, as did her sister Dr. Henrietta T. Dabney (Virginia Beach). Mary Helen was married to the late Roland Jackson.

Born in Chicago, IL in 1943, she spent her earliest years in Talladega, AL. When her family moved to Newport News, she attended Dunbar Elementary, and graduated with honors from Huntington High School in 1960. She earned her bachelor's degree from Hampton Institute in 1963 and later received an MSW from Atlanta University in 1965.

Following a career as a licensed psychiatric social worker in South Central Los Angeles, 1960's to1984, Mary Helen returned to Hampton. She worked for Family Services of Hampton. Later, she entered the business world of real estate. For over a decade she was a partner in and manager of TNT Inc., a 26-unit apartment complex, which her parents built in 1983. As part of her lifetime dream, she sought new challenges and opened Mary Helen's Restaurant, operating from 2003 to 2013 in downtown Hampton. She specialized in southern and Creole cuisine.

As restaurateur, she provided a social spot for the "old school crowd" with excellent food, music, and fun. Mary Helen loved bringing people together, first in her home and then at the restaurant. Friends recall that she was a bright light with an engaging smile and a welcoming demeanor for all. In addition, she used her restaurant to showcase and encourage young musicians and other performing artists.

Professionally, she was a member of the Black Social Workers Association (BSWA). In 2011, the YWCA Peninsula recognized her as a Woman of Distinction in the areas of business and finance.

As a contributing member of her community, she devoted much of her time to charitable causes. They included Sickle Cell Anemia Association (Peninsula); she co-founded the Afrikan-American Festival. She also founded and was a member of the Birthday Club for 20 years.

She belonged to Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority since her collegiate days. A long-time member of the Huntington High School and the Hampton University Alumni Associations, she was an avid supporter of "The Pirates." She hosted numerous social activities and homecoming parties at both her home and restaurant.

Mary Helen is survived by three brothers and their wives P. Floyd Thomas, Jr. (Barbara), Arlington, VA; Capt. (Ret.) Leonardo C. Thomas, Sr. Hampton, VA; and Dr. William Bonds Thomas (Karen), Kalamazoo, MI). She also leaves four nephews, four nieces, and a host of other relatives, including great nephews and nieces, cousins, in-laws, and long-time friends from Va. to Ca.

A viewing service will be Thursday August 25, 2016 from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. an AKA ceremony will start at 6:00 p.m. all are welcome to attend. The wake service will be from 6:00p.m to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services celebrating her life will be held at Hampton University Memorial Church on Friday August 26, 2016 at 11:00am. Interment at Hampton Memorial Gardens following services.

Contributions may be sent to the: Mary Helen Thomas Jackson Scholarship Fund, Hampton University, Vice President for Development, Hampton, Va. 23668.