Virginia Snead Helms
Virginia Jay
Snead Helms passed away peacefully on
Feb. 11, 2023, in Lebanon, TN, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Great Bend, KS, on March 4, 1936, to an oil field family, she moved around a lot in her childhood, living in Kansas, Oklahoma, Michigan, and New Mexico. With her family of five, Virginia eventually settled in Hobbs, NM, when she and her twin brothers were in primary school.
Virginia was a spiritual, funny, loving, hardworking, direct, welcoming, and beautiful person. She was a passionate reader, and was known for her tasty pecan pie, fabulous homemade noodles, and special, beautifully wrapped gifts.
When very young, Virginia’s brothers nicknamed her Sug, a shortened version of their dad’s nickname for her, “Sugar.” The family called her Sug her whole life.
Virginia’s children, Vernon Jay and Valerie, were born in Hobbs and raised in Houma, Louisiana. They remember their mom as loving, kind, supportive, and a great cook. Virginia worked as a dental assistant and became a dental assistant teacher, which she achieved through perseverance, including getting her GED at 56, an accomplishment for which she was very proud.
Virginia moved to Albuquerque, NM, to be close to her brothers, living there for more than 40 years. Her life continued to revolve around helping others, including involvement in various organizations, church activities, and a steadfast dedication to her large group of loyal friends.
In her last four years, Virginia lived with her daughter and sonin-law in Tennessee where she was surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cherished her trips to Louisiana to visit her son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. She had early morning text conversations with her son and brothers, which were a daily highlight for all of them.
Virginia was proceeded in death by her father Jay Snead and mother Bernice Walton Snead, as well as her sisters-in-law Georgia Phillips Snead and Patty Pick Snead.
She is survived by her children Vernon Jay Helms (Carolyn) and Valerie Primeaux (Paul), her brothers William Snead and James Snead, her grandchildren Kristin Helms LaFleur, Jay Helms (Rosemary), Kara Boo (Steven), Emily Bowie (Lance), Ginny Cardi (Vinny), Caleb Primeaux, and 12 greatgrandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, March 16, 10 a.m., at Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church outreach efforts (shepherdoft hevalleychurch.org) or the charity of your choice.