Vivian Sowers Helms

Vivian Sowers Helms, 97 of Willis, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, October 24, 2012.

Vivian was born 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 and was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Ronald James Thompson and a great granddaughter, Jessica Mychael Danieley.

Survived by two sons, Wendell and wife Sandra Bolt Helms, Huntingtown, Maryland; Norman Edsel and wife Jackie Driskill Helms, Lynch Station; three daughters, Rosa Lee and husband Ward Bolt, Willis; Joyce Thompson, Christiansburg; Margarette and husband Donald Dobbins of Radford. Grandchildren;

Robert and wife Trish Helms, Huntingtown, Maryland; Rhonda Helms Puckette and husband Will, Rustburg; Chris Helms, Lynchburg; Dwayne Bolt and fiancée Michelle Dyring, Willis; Terry and wife Wendy Bolt, Willis; Neil and wife Sandy Bolt, Willis; Kimberly Bolt Altizer, Radford; Debbie Thompson Danieley and husband Michael, Radford; Sherri Thompson Vaughn and husband Jody, Radford; Greg and wife Angie Roberts Dobbins, Radford; Amy Dobbins Shrewsbury and husband Todd, 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, Sarah and Hunter Shrewsbury, Step grandchildren; Geremy and wife Ashley Carr, Katie Anderson, Lester Anderson, Nikki Chartrand, Anderson and Kimberly Puckette, Step great great grandchildren; Gracie Anderson, Madison and Lily Willard. 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 Floyd County Fire Department, (Willis Station) P.O. Box 33 Floyd, VA 24091.

The family would like thank Dr. L.V. Marshall and his staff, 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 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27, 2012 at Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Darlene Marshall officiating. Interment to follow in Jacksonville Cemetery. Family will receive friends Friday, October 26, 2012 from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.