There are condolences waiting approval on Helen's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of Helen Hoffecker Barnes
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Helen.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Helen Hoffecker Barnes
Helen Hoffecker Barnes, of Roper, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 21, 2021. Her husband Jimmy Lee Barnes and son Skip Graham were by her side. She was born in 1941 in Frederick, Maryland to Rowland "Bud" and Louise Hoffecker. Helen was a member of Maury High School's Lost Class of '59 and graduated from Miss Turnbull's School. She attended Mary Washington College and earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Old Dominion University in 1968.
Helen worked at the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority and then taught briefly before motherhood became her full time job in 1969. During the 70s and 80s, The Kings Daughters, The Junior League of Norfolk and Norfolk Academy Field Day benefited from her love of volunteering. She was also an avid Mah Jong player, reader and boater. Helen was a member of The Church of the Ascension, where she taught Sunday School and was a Youth Group leader. She went back to work full time in 1983, joining the American Red Cross as a Blood Drive Coordinator. It was then that she met Jimmy at Weyerhaeuser in Plymouth. They were married in June of 1986 and made their home on the Albemarle Sound in Blair Shores. Together they were very active in their community, volunteering with the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and the Ruritans. They enjoyed all the local waterways had to offer whether in a canoe, on a jet ski or boat, or just relaxing soundside with friends, family and neighbors. Her role as Grandma Helen to both her grandchildren and Jimmy's grandchildren and great-grandchildren was one she cherished.
She was predeceased by her parents.
Helen is survived by her husband Jimmy, her daughter Ginger Graham White (Harrison) of Norfolk and son Skip Graham (Kim) of Greenville, and Jimmy's sons, Lee Barnes (Sharon) of Fuquay and Ed Barnes (Kathy) of Fayetteville. Also left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren Hayley and Graham White of Norfolk and Greyson and Ava Graham of Greenville, as well as Jimmy's grandchildren, Brian Barnes and Nikki Garnett and their spouses and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Ann McQuoid and her children.
The family will plan a celebration of Helen's life for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider visiting the Alzheimer's Association website to make a donation in her memory.
Arrangements are by Maitland Funeral Home, Plymouth.
