Audrey Lorrain McGhee Helbert

Audrey Lorrain McGhee Helbert, a beautiful soul who graced this earth for 99 inspirational years, peacefully drew her last breath on Sunday, July 26, 2026. She passed away at a local hospital in Richlands, Virginia, following a lengthy illness, surrounded by the love that she so freely gave throughout her long and meaningful life. Born in Red Ash, Virginia, Audrey was the daughter of the late Clarence Edward “Fuzz” McGhee and Anna Ella Palmer McGhee. At an early age, tragedy struck her family with the passing of her mother. Showing the profound selflessness that would define her entire life, Audrey chose to leave school to help raise her younger siblings—a sacrifice born of pure love that she never once regretted. Audrey poured her strong work ethic into everything she did. Over the years, she greeted neighbors as a waitress at V&V and other local restaurants, served as a clerk in local stores, and worked in the kitchen at Mattie Williams Hospital. She later brought her leadership and care to Clinch Valley Medical Center, where she served as the dietary supervisor. Though she worked hard, Audrey’s true masterpiece was her family. Her greatest joy and proudest achievements lay in being a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a doting grandmother. As time blessed her, she marveled at seeing her legacy grow to include great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Lovingly crowned "Wonder Woman" by her family, Audrey possessed a rare, magical gift for writing and storytelling. She could capture any heart and draw you entirely into her world with her words. She was a modest and private woman, yet her heart was too big to stay hidden. Whenever someone was in need, Audrey was there. She poured her kindness into volunteering at the food pantry and packing Christmas shoe boxes for soldiers and local families. She walked through life with immense integrity, unwavering honesty, and a deep, radiant faith in God. She was a devoted Christian and a cherished member of the Cedar Bluff Community Church. Heaven gained a true angel as Audrey was joyfully reunited with her parents; her beloved husband, William Kendridge Helbert; her sons, Roy Lee Helbert and Ralph Wayne Helbert; her daughter, Mildred Jeanette “Nita” Wilson; her sisters, Nellie McGhee, Jettie McGhee, Betty Osborne, Jean Miller, Doris Miller, and Carol Byrd; her brother, Clarence McGhee, Jr.; her grandchildren, Tammy Lorraine Wilson, William Curtis Wilson, and Richard Lee Helbert; her great-grandchild, Heather Lorraine Stallard; and her sons-in-law, Dennis Harvey Coleman, Robert James Botos, and William "Bill" Wilson. Carrying on her beautiful, loving spirit and living by her incredible example are her daughters, Barbara Coleman of Richlands, VA Beverly Botos of Columbus, OH Brothers: Gary “Jerry” McGhee of Swords Creek, VA Joseph Cole of VA Grandchildren: Carolyn Gail Sargent; Dennis Harvey Coleman II and his wife, Tina; Michelle Leigh Smith and her husband, Tom; Jennifer Beth Cyphers and her husband, Jon; Kevin Bradley Webb and Nolan Derek Webb. Several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of family friends also survive her. For over 60 years, she was a devoted monthly supporter of the St. Jude Foundation, and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude's Foundation, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. The funeral celebrating the life of Audrey Helbert will be at 12:00 on Friday, July 31. 2026 at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, Virginia, with the Rev. Richard Smith officiating. Interment will follow at the Greenhills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill, Virginia. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family will begin receiving friends at noon on Friday at the funeral home until the time of service. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia, is in charge of arrangements. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.

Audrey Lorrain McGhee Helbert

July 2, 1927 - July 26, 2026