Helms, Vivian Sowers

Vivian Sowers Helms, 97, of Willis, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 24, 2012. Vivian was born on January 3, 1915, to the late Eli and Virginia L. Weddle Sowers. Also preceding her in death were her siblings, brothers, John, Oakie, Lawrence, Tellie, and Olen Sowers; and sisters, India Sowers, Margaret S. Hall and Celia S. Lam. She was the widow of Frank Vincent Helms, deceased May 5, 1950; son-in-law, Ronald James Thompson; and great- granddaughter, Jessica Mychael Danieley. She is survived by two sons, Wendell and wife, Sandra Bolt Helms, of Huntingtown, Md., and Norman Edsel and wife, Jackie Driskill Helms, of Lynch Station; three daughters, Rosa Lee and husband, Ward Bolt, of Willis, Joyce Thompson, of Christiansburg, and Margarette and husband, Donald Dobbins, of Radford; grandchildren, Robert and wife, Trish Helms, of Huntingtown, Md., Rhonda Helms Puckette and husband, Will, of Rustburg, Chris Helms, of Lynchburg, Dwayne Bolt and fiance, Michelle Dyring, of Willis, Terry and wife, Wendy Bolt, of Willis, Neil and wife, Sandy Bolt, of Willis, Kimberly Bolt Altizer, of Radford, Debbie Thompson Danieley and husband, Michael, of Radford, Sherri Thompson Vaughn and husband, Jody, of Radford, Greg and wife, Angie Roberts Dobbins, of Radford, and Amy Dobbins Shrewsbury and husband, Todd, of Radford; great-grandchildren, Robert and Lauren Helms, Zane Puckette, Wyatt Bolt, Laren, Corey and Trent Altizer, Tyler and Kelsey Danieley, Matthew and wife, Natalie Vaughn, Nathan and Laura Vaughn, Noa and Camrynn Dobbins, and Sarah and Hunter Shrewsbury; step grandchildren, Jeremy and wife, Ashley Carr, Katie Anderson, Lester Anderson, Niki Chartrand, and Anderson and Kimberly Puckette; step great-grandchildren, Gracie Anderson, Madison, Lily Willard; and one great-great- grandson due in December. Vivian was a member of Harris Chapel United Methodist Church and attended Willis UMC after moving to Willis in 1990. She retired from Willis Elementary School Cafeteria in 1985 with 31 years of service. She also worked part time at the Mabry Mill Restaurant for a number of years. Prior to 1954, Vivian was the Harris Central switchboard operator, working from her home, for the Ballard Telephone Exchange (Citizens Telephone Cooperative) for many years. During her retirement she enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, quilting, card games, reading and visiting with family and friends. “Our memories of Mom will be forever cherished and never forgotten.” Flowers would be appreciated or donations may be made to Willis United Methodist Church, 5671 Floyd Hwy. South, Willis, VA 24380 or to the Floyd County Fire Department, (Willis Station) P.O. Box 33 Floyd, VA 24091. The family would like thank the staff at Radford Health and Rehab, Dr. Charles Judy, Wendy Lawson, N.P., Carilion Hospice and Sandy Bolt, for taking such excellent care of mom. Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2012, at Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Darlene Marshall officiating. Interment to follow in Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 26, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.maberryfuneralhome.com.