Helen Cecelia Outlaw Carr

Helen Cecelia Outlaw Carr was born on June 19, 1930, in Upperville, Virginia, to Florence Outlaw Paige and Edward Outlaw. She was the oldest of three girls. Her sisters, Cardell Jones and Conswella (Connie) Daly, preceded her in death.

Helen's early education began in the one-room schoolhouse in Upperville, Virginia. Thanks to the generosity of the parents of her friends and classmates, Rosemarie Norwood Elliott, she was able to attend and graduate from the renowned Dunbar High School, a historic institution known for cultivating Black excellence.

After graduation, Helen moved to Baltimore, where her mother and sisters were living, to attend college. She graduated from Coppin State Teachers College in 1951 with a degree in Elementary Education. She later earned her master's degree in library science from Wayne State University in Detroit in 1972 and completed postgraduate work at Johns Hopkins University.

That same year, she married George H. Carr, whom she met during her college years. They had one daughter, Vikki Lann. The marriage later ended in divorce.

Helen was baptized at age nine at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Upperville, Virginia. She found her spiritual home in the Episcopal Church and joined The Church of the Holy Trinity in 1963.

Volunteering was a central part of Helen's life, both during her career and retirement. She volunteered with Literacy Volunteers and the NAACP; tutored in schools; and served on several boards. She was a founding board member of the Josephine School Community Museum in Berryville, Virginia, preserving Black history in the original school building that her stepfather attended. Helen was also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Baltimore Alumnae Chapter, where she served on the History and Archives committee.

When Helen retired, she returned to her roots in Upperville, where she could be close to her mother, who was living in Berryville, Virginia

While maintaining her membership at Holy Trinity, Helen also joined St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Berryville.

Helen peacefully departed this life on January 14, 2026. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Vikki, with whom she shared many interests; her son -in-law Marvin, who was like a son she never had; her granddaughter Libre', who was always there when she needed her; her grandson Lamar, who patiently solved her technology dilemmas; and her great-granddaughter Dylann, the love of her life.  She was "Aunt Hila" to her nieces Terri (Mike), deceased), Greggoriann (Tito), and Courtney (Maurizio); her nephews Allen (Patricia), Steven (Angela), Donald Jr., and Daren (Yen), cousin Lola Astrop; cousin-like—a-daughter Joan; extended family on her father's side; Caramela, Coral, Anita, and brother Anthony,  host of great-nieces, great-nephews, relative and friends.

A celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at March Life Tribute Center in Windsor Mill, MD.

Helen lived a life of purpose, service, intellect, and love. A life rooted in faith, lifted by education, and enriched by family. By God's grace, she lived abundantly, and her legacy will continue to inspire for generations

The family requests that charitable donations be sent to

The Josephine School Community Center

In memory of Helen Cecelia Outlaw Carr

www.jschoolmuseum.org/donate