Bettie Lou Stubbs Helvey

Bettie Lou Helvey went home to be with the Lord, late Thursday evening, April 6, 2023 at the age of 84. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Clayton Helvey; her parents, James and Mabel Stubbs; sister, Sandra Stubbs Boitnott and a baby brother. 

Bettie is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Roy and El Stubbs; her three sons, Jim Helvey (Lori), C. Frank Helvey (Marie), and Charles Helvey (Becky); five grandchildren, Katie (Justin), Sarah, Tommy, Tracie, and Robert; 2 great grandchildren, Gracie and Jon Luke; and a host of other family and friends. 

Bettie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother whose purpose in life was to serve and take care of others. From when she was just six years old, she knew she wanted to be a nurse so that she could help people. With the encouragement from her family and hard work, she achieved that dream and graduated from the Roanoke Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1959. Her passion never wavered as she was a trauma nurse, ER nurse, maternity nurse and finally worked for Dr. Samuel Smith from the time he started his practice for 25 years and retired. She enjoyed playing sports, art, being outdoors (especially looking at the beautiful hydrangeas at her home), and eating with friends at the Roanoker, but most of all, she loved being with family and serving the Lord. Her presence made the world a much brighter place, and she always made sure that everyone she met felt loved and taken care of. 

The family will receive friends at Lotz Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 11 from 5-8 PM. Funeral services will be at Riverside Evangelical Methodist Church on Wednesday, April 12 at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. Following the interment, there will be a meal prepared for family and friends at Riverside Evangelical Methodist Church. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Riverside EMC, 1920 Lucas Street Salem,VA Care of Local Missions.