Helen Mary Williams was born on March 26, 1925 in Lehigh Township (Walnut Port), Pennsylvania to Rose Neubauer and Joseph Nierer (who immigrated to America from Austria-Hungary in 1913). Helen grew up on the family farm and was the seventh of eleven siblings, of whom she was the last surviving.
In 1943, Helen moved to New York City to attend cosmetology school. While in New York she met US Navy seaman James Williams, whom she later married on July 28, 1945. Soon after they married, James and Helen moved to Norfolk, VA where they had two children: James Arthur, Jr. (wife Francine) and Terry Michael (wife Susan). The family then moved to San Antonio, TX before returning to Norfolk where they had three more children: Richard Paul (wife Katherine), Suzanne Helen (husband Tony), and David John. Unfortunately, Helen and James divorced in 1970 after 25 years of marriage.
Undeterred by the hardships of single life, Helen worked tirelessly to save her house and keep her children together in the wake of the divorce. Without skipping a beat she re-joined the workforce after many years of homemaking. Helen took a job as a hostess and server at The Grate Steak in Norfolk where she loyally worked for almost twenty years. Through her hard work and diligent saving she was able to pay off her home in 1998—a milestone that she was especially (and rightfully) very proud of.
A lifetime lover of country music, Helen attended countless concerts to see the likes of Elvis, Kenny Rogers, and Johnny Cash just to name a few. She especially loved Garth Brooks, and was thrilled to have had the opportunity to see him in concert. In her later years, Helen enjoyed playing bridge and bunko with friends, crocheting, sewing, and tending to her garden. She lovingly doted on the cats and dogs she had over the years: her Welch Corgi Snoopy, and cats, Sylvester, Boots, Cuddles, and Lily. Helen will always be remembered as a compassionate woman who never shied away from life’s challenges.
Helen is survived by her five children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A service will be held Sunday, April 23rd at 3pm at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Immediately following the service, please join the family to celebrate Helen's life after at New River Tap House, 1716 Pleasure House Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kellumfuneralhome.com for the Williams family.
