The Life of Helen Kerr Perdue

Our angel on earth, Helen Kerr Smith Perdue, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 19, 2024. She was 104 years young. She loved to ask people to guess her age and when they tried, always guessed 20 years younger than what she was. She would then laugh and tell her real age. She will be remembered lovingly by family and friends with these sentiments:  a sweet, beautiful, special lady; one of a kind with a wonderful sense of humor; enjoyed life and was a feisty spirit; always had a beautiful smile, and an inspiration to all in her daily living. She loved her Christ Lutheran Church family – and was proud she attended Christ Lutheran from when the “first stone was laid” and was an active member until her death. She was also an active member of the Order of Eastern Stars and was presented a 75 year pin recently for her continual active membership. She loved that organization and had many close friends throughout the years.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband of over 42 years, Ellis E. Perdue; sister, Pat Wells of California; parents, Charles I. Kerr and Georgia Anderson Kerr; daughters, Constance Smith and Patty Smith; her son, James E. Smith of Honolulu, Hawaii.

She is survived by her special angels, daughter, Debra “Robin” Haas; granddaughter, Alison Huntley and great ganddaughter, Kaya Kingery.

We want to give special thanks and gratitude to Gaye Eades, her caregiver for over 4 years and two special friends, Linda from Christ Lutheran Church who cared so much for her and a dear friend Flo, formerly of Roanoke, who now lives in New Hampshire.

Her light will never extinguish, but will shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Christ Lutheran Church with Pastor K. David Skole and Pastor Cynthia Keyser officiating.  Burial will follow at 3:30 PM in Evergreen Burial Park.

The family will receive friends Monday, February 26, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in Oakey’s South Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Family Promise of Greater Roanoke, 37 East Clay Street, Salem, VA  24153 or Angels of Assisi, 415 Campbell Ave., Roanoke, VA  24016.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Family Promise of Greater Roanoke, 37 East Clay Street, Salem, VA  24153 or Angels of Assisi, 415 Campbell Ave., Roanoke, VA  24016