Helen L. Edwards

Helen Loretta Williams Edwards was born on March 14, 1947, to the late James Williams and Mary Valentine Evans Wilson Williams. She passed away on December 29, 2025, at her home after a 20-year battle with multiple myeloma.

Helen attended St. Joseph’s School and Norfolk Catholic High School. She was a proud graduate of Norfolk State University, where she earned her master's degree in social work. Helen had a distinguished 40-year career as a social worker in Michigan and Virginia. She retired from the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services.

With a lifelong passion for helping others, she was known for providing guidance to family and friends. She was also known for her signature “follow-up” questions. Helen enjoyed music and attended numerous concerts, often encouraging family members to attend with her. She was a huge fan of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, humorously referring to the Carters as her second family.

Helen was a member of St. Joseph’s Church and later the Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society, “Sassy Sistahs.”

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her sister, Margaret G. Williams, and her brothers, Charles Williams, and Walter Williams. She is survived by her brothers, Edward Williams (Gail, deceased), Sam Williams (deceased shortly after her death) (Mae), and Jim Williams (Josephine Johnson); her sisters, Martha Jones and Mary Williams Staten (Harry); and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.