Helen Virginia Smaw Brewer

Helen Virginia Smaw Brewer was born on August 11, 1931 to the late Virginia Carter Smaw and the late Matthew C. Smaw in Cheriton, VA. She departed this life quietly and gracefully on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at her home in Cheriton, VA.
 

Helen was educated in the public schools of Northampton County, VA. She graduated high school in June of 1949. In 1956, she married Forrest Lee Brewer. They were married for 55 years. Together, they parented and raised eight children. Together, they provided care and love to eight of their nieces and nephews: James, Carol, Linda, Brenda, Bruce, Debra, Richard, and Cynthia Smaw. Helen was a domestic worker for many years, having worked in various homes throughout the community.

At an early age, Helen professed Christ as her Savior and joined the African Baptist Church. In her youth, she was a member of the Youth Choir and sang with her cousins, Odears and Geneva, as a member of The Three C's (Cousins). As an adult, Helen served as a member of various auxiliaries of the church, namely, The Deaconness Board, the Pastor's Aide, and for many years, as president of the Senior Ushers. Her quiet leadership resulted in numerous fundraisers that enabled the Senior Ushers to purchase items to be used in and around the church. Helen was a faithful and dedicated member of African Baptist Church. She respected the leadership of the church as she believed God's work was of the utmost importance.

She was predeceased by her husband, Forrest; her parents, Matthew and Virginia; her brothers, Bruce II, and Richard; and two of her sons, Clarence and David Samuel. She leaves to mourn, yet cherish, so many beautiful memories, six children, Karen Michelle (Suffolk); Elouise Virginia (Larry, Sr.), Painter; Tad Wayne (Elise) Painter; Angela Denise (Virginia Beach); Marvin Todd (Cheriton); and Tamara Louise (Chesapeake); 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; 1 brother-in-law, Kenneth, Sr., and 1 sister-in-law, Mary; a special niece, Linda Smaw; loving cousins, Odears and Hollis; a life-long friend, Mamie Boney; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

With Hope and Love,

The Family

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