Smith, Helen Atkins

Helen Virginia Atkins Smith, 95, of Pembroke, passed away Monday, April 27, 2015 in Vacaville, Calif. Helen was born January 7, 1920 to Hiram S. Atkins and Alberta Porterfield Atkins. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William “Jack” Smith; and four brothers, Eugene, Bryon, Maury, Tommy Atkins; two sisters, Claudine Atkins Lubliner and Edna Atkins Williams.

Helen is survived by two devoted daughters and their husbands, Elizabeth Smith Belcher (Troy), of Pearisburg, Va. and Martha Smith Boles (Rod) of Vacaville, Calif; one devoted son and his wife, Jerry Smith (Linda), of Pembroke, Va. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Pat Morris, of Pembroke, Va., Janette Boles, of Vacaville, Calif., and Kelly Boles and wife, April of Vacaville, Calif; and three great grandchildren, Keaton, Kinsey, and Kaelyn Boles. Helen is survived by one sister-in-law, Clarice Higginbotham Atkins, of Pembroke, Va. and numerous nieces and nephews. She also held a special place in her heart for her fellow bridge partners as well as her love for animals.

A life-long resident of Giles County, Helen was an active member of both Lucas Memorial Christian Church and God’s House. Helen was a graduate of Pembroke High School, went to school to be a lab tech and worked in Bluefield, W.Va. She then became a receptionist for Dr. Douglas F. Love and Dr. Pascarosa for many years. She was a past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, Pearis Chapter 124. Helen will be remembered for her love of bridge, reading, and gardening. Those to whom Helen was dear are comforted to know that she is now with the Lord in Heaven.

A funeral service for Helen will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Givens Funeral Home with Pastor David Atkinson officiating with interment following in the Birchlawn Abbey in Pearisburg. An Eastern Star memorial service will be held immediately following the service at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. before the service.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the building fund at God’s House, PO Box 183, Pembroke, Virginia 24136 and/or the Giles County Bible Bus, PO Box 401, Pearisburg, VA 24134. Online condolences can be sent to the family at givensfuneralhome.com.