Helen Bishop Brown

Helen Lorraine Bishop Brown, 94, died Oct. 18, 2007, of heart failure. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Edgar A. Brown Jr. and her beloved mother-in-law, Laura V. Brown, who made her home with Helen and Edgar. Born in Waverly, Va., she was the fourth of six children of Charles and Nona Bishop. She graduated from Waverly High School and attended Mary Washington College, coming to Portsmouth in 1938. She was the last surviving sibling, being predeceased by a brother, Robert L. Bishop and four sisters, Thelma B. White, Alma B. Carter, Florence B. Sode and Marie B. Elliston. Survivors include a daughter, Alma B. Hall and husband Jim Hall of Portsmouth; a son, Edgar Earl Brown and wife Linda Ryan Brown of Vernon, Conn.; two grandchildren, Jeffrey E. Brown of Ellington, Conn., and Leslie V. Hellerman and husband Jeffrey D. Hellerman of Afton, Va.; and a great-grandchild, Chloe Renee Hellerman. Helen was the quintessential wife and mother who took great pride in maintaining a comfortable and secure home for her family. She was a member of Elm Avenue Methodist Church where she was president of the Willing Workers Sunday School Class. She was a charter member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Chesapeake, and a member of the Friendship Sunday School class and past president of the United Methodist Women. She was an active member of Esther Chapter No. 37, Order of the Eastern Star and served that group locally as Worthy Matron and in numerous state offices. Her love of her chapter friends led to her devoted work as a trainer and mentor for new members and officers. In later years, she was honored as a chapter mother by her friends. Helen was a supportive member and served as president of several organizations including local garden clubs, PTAs in the Cradock community, the Band Parents Association and she was a troop leader of the Brownies and Girl Scouts. She was a member of the Beazley Senior Citizens, the Woman?s Club of Cradock and XYZ Senior Club of Aldersgate. Helen was loved by all who knew her as a dear, sweet lady who always showed her appreciation to others. In the same tradition, her family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at Bon Secours Province Place, who cared deeply about her and gave her their love. In particular, we acknowledge Nell Council, Algar Lee, Gloria Wilson, Claudia Smith, Vivian Minggia, Maria Milton and Linda Plummer. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Aldersgate United Methodist Church, with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery immediately following. The family will be at Loving Funeral Home, Churchland, from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday. Contributions in Helen?s memory may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4320 Bruce Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321.

Helen Bishop Brown

October 18, 2007