Helen Smoot Howard

After a long illness in which she valiantly exhibited the strength of spirit and fortitude for which she was so well known, Helen Arlene Smoot Howard left the body and transcended this earthly realm on October 7, 2023 at age 86.

Helen was born on January 30, 1937, the daughter of Lillian Hunter Smoot and Neville Eugene Smoot. She was born a “preemie” at her parents’ home on Cabell Street in Lynchburg. Her father was fond of claiming that she was such a tiny baby at birth that he could hold her in the palm of his hand. To further illustrate how small she was, he recounted the way they warmed the oven slightly, then opened the oven door so that they could place little Helen swaddled in her wee blanket in a shoe box on the oven door to keep her warm.

She was the former wife of James Oliver Howard.

Helen is survived by three children, Vicky Ellen Howard of Forest, VA; Cynthia Howard Campbell (Allen) of Huddleston, VA; and James Martin "Marty" Howard (Christy) of Bedford County. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Rebekah Armstrong of Philadelphia, PA; Bethany Gail (Kelson Robbins) of Newmarket, VA; Dean Campbell of Huddleston; Scott Campbell (Rachel) of Lynchburg; Landon Howard and Kaylen Howard, of Bedford County; and five great grandchildren: Ku’uipo Robbins, Aurélia Robbins, and Oskar Robbins of Newmarket, VA; Emma Grace Campbell and James Clark Campbell of Lynchburg.

In addition, she is survived by one sister, Marie Daughtrey of Lynchburg, and 6 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Doris Vanaman, who passed away earlier this year.

Helen graduated from E. C. Glass High School in 1954. She also held a paralegal degree from Central Virginia Community College. She was a charter member of Chestnut Hill Baptist Church.

Helen is remembered for her determination and resolve, and also for her generous, giving nature. She set an example of how to love by selflessly helping family members and friends in any way she possibly could. She was truly generous to a fault, especially when it came to holiday meals, gifts, birthday celebrations, and family vacations. As a seamstress she was masterful at creating beautiful garments, tailoring and quilting. She was a talented painter, and continued to surprise her family with new artistic skills that she cultivated later in life. Even so, her creative potential most likely remained underdeveloped. She relished a night on the dance floor to do some square dancing or two step. She was a lover of animals, and the neighborhood children knew that if they found a stray, they could count on Miss Helen to take it in. She enjoyed haggling over an old treasure at the antique shop, and filled her home with pieces she had refinished or repurposed. She assumed the role of family historian, documenting every life event with the camera that was always tucked in her purse. It was useless to protest having your photo taken when Helen was around. She inherited her mother’s green thumb and shared her passion for flower gardening. In her later years, Helen could often be spotted sitting on her porch, enjoying the view of her gardens, and watching the birds who frequented the many feeders and birdbaths among the flowers.

She was self-motivated and worked outside the home in a variety of capacities throughout her life, including employment at the City Attorney’s office in Lynchburg, the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond, and the voting polls on election days.

The family wishes to thank all the caregivers and helpers that have provided competent and compassionate care for Helen over the years.

A ceremony to celebrate Helen’s life and pay respects will take place on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Whitten Timberlake Chapel, 7404 Timberlake Road in Lynchburg. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. in the visitation room prior to the service. To share online condolences, please visit whittentimberlake.com.

Contributions may be made in her honor to Meals on Wheels or to Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter.

“Our Mom was a blessing, her memory a treasure.

She is loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.”