In memoriam: Helen Williams, Virginia Cooperative Extension
Helen Williams. Photo by Jim Stroup for Virginia Tech.
Helen B. Williams, the longtime administrative assistant in Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Amherst County office, passed away on March 11.
If you ever made a phone call when you’ve needed help or guidance on any number of issues in Amherst County over the last 65 years, chances are you were greeted by a singular voice asking this: “Good afternoon, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Amherst Office, may I help you?”
That voice belonged to Williams, one of Virginia’s longest-serving state employees, who joined Virginia Cooperative Extension in 1957.
Williams, born in 1939, was a native of Amherst County. Her father was Raymond Alexander Williams, a chef at Sweet Briar College, and her mother, Mary Frances Williams.
“Helen was an inspiration to anyone who came in contact with her,” said Mike Gutter, director of Virginia Cooperative Extension. “Helen spent her life helping others and always had a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed.”
Williams was an avid believer in 4-H, volunteering for years with the organization. She assisted with 4-H camp, staying in the bunkhouse with 45 youth at the 4-H Holiday Lake Educational Center. As life progressed, she found new ways to work with kids, such as through 4-H club meetings.
Williams is survived by her brother John W. Williams of Fairmont Nursing Home; nephew Charles (Jeana) Williams of Forest, Virginia; Sherry R. Williams of Lynchburg, Virginia; Terrice (Carla) Taylor, also of Lynchburg; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be Saturday, March 25, at 1 p.m. at the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Amherst.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the Helen B. Williams memorial endowment fund for Amherst Extension. Contributions can be made by making a check payable to the Virginia Tech Foundation. Please include Helen B. Williams in the memo and mail it to 902 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061, or give online in Helen B. Williams’ memory.
