Visitation
Helen Smith White of Morganton, NC, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 22, 2023, after a long, bravely fought battle with cancer.
Helen was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity, and she instilled in others the importance of family, hard work and doing what is right. Those who knew her often commented on her positive outlook and that her joyous smile would light up a room.
Born in Morganton, NC to the late Ray Smith and Dorothy Lane Smith, she graduated from Salem High School in 1965 and Western Piedmont Community College with an Associate’s degree in Food Service Management. She worked in food service for over 25 years, retiring in 2009. In her retired years, she often said she “didn’t care if she ever saw a kitchen again.”
A defining part of her life was her unwavering faith in God. She devotedly read the Bible and was a lifetime member of Missionary Ridge Baptist Church.
She was passionate about traveling and enjoyed visiting nearly 20 countries. Her love for travel culminated with a trip to the Holy Land in 2014 where she walked some of the roads that Jesus traveled.
Helen was a selfless daughter and sister who always put the needs of her family before her own. Over a period of more than 30 years, she cared for her paternal grandmother, mother and father prior to their deaths, and then became the primary caregiver of her sister, Rebekah.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Bella Sessoms (Mac); three beloved grandchildren, Jackson, Colin and McKenna; brother, Michael Smith; husband, Willard; sister, Rebekah Smith; and niece, Brenda Moser (Greg).
In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by a sister-in-law Sandra Lane Smith.
Helen had a strong desire to maintain her independence and was able to remain at home with the support of her immediate family and loving friend and caregiver, Diane Johnson.
The funeral will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, March 24, 2023 at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church with Dr. Darren Browning officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The SECU Family House - Winston Salem.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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So Sorry for your Loss
My sincere condolences to Helen's family. I worked with her at Hillcrest Elementary School. She always had a positive attitude and she loved to laugh. May God bless each of you during this most difficult time in your lives. You remain in my sincere thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Helen for several years.She was a very sweet person.
Many thoughts and prayers to you all. Helen was a wonderful soul to all she met. She will be truly missed by our family. May you have much peace and happiness knowing she has a new body and no more suffering in the days ahead. We send our Love and Support each and every one are in our prayers! Blaine, Dusty, Brody & Blake Wyrick
I have lost a previous friend . I have know her for 67 years. She was a joy to know. She will be missed.
What beautiful words to describe our special Helen. She will be missed each day. Being with her always lightened our day and inspired both Mike and I to be better people.
