Helen Virginia Smith, 89, of Morgantown, went to her home in Heaven Monday, February 17, 2025. Helen was born November 25, 1935, in Mt. Morris, Pa., a daughter of Arlie and Elizabeth “Libby” Smith. The family then moved to Morgantown, where Helen still lived.
Helen graduated from University High School in 1954. For many years she worked for the Royal Furniture Company in Morgantown as the bookkeeper. She also worked for 32 years at the Dominion Post in Morgantown and retired at age 79.
After retirement, she still kept busy by spending time with her grandchildren and later, with her great- grandchildren. She was also a devoted Mountaineer and Steelers fan, though she was always too nervous to watch the games unless they were way ahead! She also followed the Pirates and watched any football, baseball and basketball game on TV. But her really great passion was playing cards with family and friends. She and her very close friends, Carole McClure, Paulette King, Mary Louise Brand and Shirley Hartley, spent almost every Friday afternoon playing cards. She truly loved those days.
Helen was loved by many; her memory will live on in all of our hearts.
She was a loving and generous mom, grandmother (Granny / Gma), and great-grandmother.
She is survived by her daughters, Sandy Drake Milton, and Karen Drake and her son, Roy L. Drake (Bonnie); her grandchildren, Roy W. Drake (Randi), Kathryn Milton (Michael M.), and Ashley Milton (Michael V.); and her precious great-grandchildren, Olivea Drake, Preston Drake, and Rhett Vance. She is also survived by many loved nieces and nephews, including her nephew, Les Smith, who visited and called often; and many dear friends including one special honorary member of the family, Jennifer Craddock, who provided meals, ran errands and provided support for her. Because of Helen’s loving spirit, all friends of the family were included and treated as family.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Arlie and Elizabeth Smith; her sister, Ada Lewis (Leonard); her brother, James Smith (Vivian); her sister, Madelene Pratt (Eugene); her brother, Madison Smith (Geraldine); and sister, Josephine Cook.
Visitation for Helen will be from 9:30 until the 11 a.m. time of service Saturday, February 22, in the Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home, High Street, Morgantown. A graveside service will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Mt. Morris, Pa.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, in Morgantown.
Condolences at fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com.
