Helen Bateman Wall

Helen Bateman Wall, 92, of Richmond, Va., passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Eleanor Bateman; and her husband of 63 years, Charles R. “Ranny” Wall.

She is survived by her sister, Margy Eimer; daughter, Sandy Russell (Ken); son, Chuck Wall (Polly); grandchildren, Jennifer Graham (Kent), Christopher Russell, Stephen Russell, Abby Wall and Caroline Wall; and great-grandchildren, Jackson Graham and Carter Graham.

She was born in Weymouth, Mass., and grew up in Waynesboro, Va., where at age 16 she was salutatorian at Waynesboro High School. She graduated from Fairfax Hall and received her B.S. from Madison College, after which she taught math at Bainbridge Junior High School. Later she received her M.Ed. from the University of Virginia while teaching and serving as a school counselor at Thomas Jefferson High School, where she sponsored the class of 1959.

She served the church in many capacities, first at Main Street United Methodist in Waynesboro and later at Northminster Baptist in Richmond, where she was a longtime member of the Appel Class. She remained an active church member her entire life, most recently as a member of Derbyshire Baptist. She delighted in travel, was a keen bridge player and always looked to learn something new. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, she was a model of grace, poise and strength, and she endeared herself to her family and many friends with her authenticity, calming presence and subtle wit.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28, at Woody Funeral Home-Parham, 1771 N. Parham Rd. Richmond, Va. 23229. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 1, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Westhampton Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Derbyshire Baptist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. The family would like to express its gratitude to Helen’s dedicated caregivers at Lakewood’s Health Services Center and Heartland Hospice.