Helen Louise Smoot Arnold

A native of the hills of West Virginia, she was born in Boone County on March 6, 1922. Helen was the 12th child of Matt and Rosa Smoot and the sister of Henry, Sherman, Ruby, Virgil, Mae, Reef, Vianne, Emil, Edna, Eula, Esther, Revella, and Kenneth.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 70 years, Adam S. Arnold; daughters, Alicia Spencer and Pamela Paster; her son, Paul Arnold; two grandsons, Benjamin Spencer (Marlette) and Logan Paster (Rachel); and seven great-grandchildren, Corey, Isabella, Mya, James, Mary Alice, Emma, and Alyssa. Her extended family also includes a sister-in-law, Joye Moore (Dowell), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

After living in Washington, D.C., California, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Texas, Helen moved to South Bend, Indiana, with her husband and children, where she was a community leader for many decades. She served on numerous boards and panels and received countless awards, citations, and recognitions for her civic work throughout northern Indiana. Helen graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from West Virginia State College and received her Master's Degree in Education from Prairie View Texas A&M University. She was an educator who worked as a 5th grade teacher and alternative high school principal in South Bend. She was also Executive Field Director of Northern Indiana Girl Scout Council and volunteered for many public service organizations including the Urban League, National Conference of Christians and Jews, St. Peter Claver House, and the Public Broadcasting System. Helen served as a member and speaker for the National Panel of American Women. Upon retirement, Helen and her husband moved to Hampton, Virginia to be near her children and grandchildren. Helen is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and was an active member of St. Augustine's Catholic Church in South Bend.

Helen's love for her West Virginia roots was deep and abiding. She often reminisced about her days growing up in West Virginia and greatly enjoyed attending family reunions there, always anxious to join relatives in a rousing version of the traditional reunion song, "Oh, the West Virginia Hills." In later years she devoted herself to her family and was especially happy to have her grandsons and great-grandchildren around her.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2011, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. An Omega Omega service for Helen Louise Smoot Arnold will be performed by the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, immediately following the viewing. The public is invited to share this service with the family.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 30, 2011, 12:00 noon, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2150 Cunningham Drive, Hampton, Virginia.

The family wants to offer deep appreciation to the Norhampton Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center, Heartland Hospice, Riverside Hospital, and Advantage Care Health Services, Inc. for their kindness and support of our family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Helen's favorite charity, Habitat for Humanity, or to the charity of your choice.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.