Smith, Helen Gregory

Helen America Gregory Smith, born on June 24, 1924 to the late Lula Alice Howlett and James Harrison Gregory, passed away at her home in Pulaski, Va., on Saturday, October 2, 2010. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Carl A. Smith Sr.; and a granddaughter, Caroline Porter Smith.

A 1943 graduate of Pulaski High School, she was a lifelong advocate and supporter of higher education. She received her AA degree with honors in the early seventies at New River Community College, where she later established the Helen G. Smith scholarship fund for deserving young women.

Helen was a member of the Sunset Hills Garden Club where she served as president and earned the title of Nationally Accredited Flower Show Judge of the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs. She was also a member of the Count Pulaski Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, as well as several local bridge clubs. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Pulaski for more than 60 years. In addition to her dedication to higher education,

Helen’s passion was world travel and seeing as much of the world as she could during her lifetime. But she had no greater passion than the devotion to her husband, Carl, and to her three boys.

She is survived by her sons and their wives, Carl Smith Jr. and Sharon, of Richmond, Va., Jerry Gregory Smith and Betsy, of Marietta, Ga., and William J. Smith and Farron, of Wytheville, Va.; brother, William Anderson Gregory; grandchildren, Sean K. Cullinan, Kevin T. Smith, Staci S. Ball, Kelly S. Trimble, G. Harrison Smith, William J. Smith II and Casey W. Smith; eight great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins; along with many close friends and church family.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 6, 2010, from the First Presbyterian Church, Pulaski, with the Rev. Jeff Kackley officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, October 5, 2010, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski.

Her final wishes expressed her desire for a quiet and modest marking of her passing. In lieu of flowers, suggested donations should be made to the Helen G. Smith scholarship fund at NRCC, the First Presbyterian Church in Pulaski or the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski.