Helen Rose Smith passed to be with the Lord early on April 16th, 2021 in Huntsville, after an arduous struggle against the debilitating effects of pancreatic cancer. Born the youngest of four children on January 15th, 1960 in Montgomery, she was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. T. Sherburne and Elizabeth Smith.
Helen graduated from Grissom High School and the University of Alabama-Huntsville with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering. She worked in the private sector with Raytheon and Teledyne-Brown but then returned to civil service, primarily in Huntsville but also spending nine years on Kwajalein. Helen was at home in and around the water from an early age. Her fondest memories were centered on summers spent at Whitesburg Pool. She was an accomplished swimmer and sailor, once sailing from Hawaii to Kwajalein in record time. Not content to stay on top of the water, she also certified in multiple SCUBA qualifications and thoroughly enjoyed the underwater world as well.
Helen is survived by her sister, Julia Dodds of Birmingham; brothers, Thomas Smith III of Pinellas Park, FL and Carleton Smith of Huntsville; three nieces, four nephews, one great-nephew and two great-nieces along with a host of friends that were treasured by her.
Helen left us far too soon. She faced her final illness as she lived her life, with courage and determination. She was a blessing to others throughout her life and we greatly miss her.
Visitation will be from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 23rd, 2021, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. A graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 24th, 2021, in Maple Hill Cemetery, section 45.
