Helen Doretha Christopher Carter Crockett departed this life on Friday, October 20, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 4, 1939, the third of 12 children to the late John Jasper Christopher and Mary Ella Johnson in Nottoway County, Virginia.

Helen was educated in the Nottoway County school system. She was Baptized at an early age at Spring Hill Baptist Church in Blackstone, Virginia.

Helen married the late Frank I. Carter in 1955. They soon left to start their lives together in New Jersey. Their union was blessed with 4 children, Sandra, Frank, Cynthia, and Anthony. They later relocated back to Virginia.

In 1989, Helen married Herbert Crockett. They enjoyed 28 years of a blissful life. They traveled the world together until 2017 when Herbert went home to be with the Lord.

Helen enjoyed sewing clothes and working at Blue Cross Blue Shield until her retirement as a manager in 1994.

In 2017, Helen and her daughter Cynthia read the entire bible together from cover to cover. Helen thought that was one of her greatest accomplishments. Helen enjoyed her church family and the music of Benjamin W. Robertson Memorial Choir (BW's). She was very active as a former booster member of the BW's and the former financial chair. She was also a member of the Cedarites, Victory Choir, Rosa B. Harris Usher Board and attended Sunday School on a regular basis.

Often Helen could be found in a casino playing the nickel and dime machines which drove her family crazy. She also enjoyed playing card games with her family and friends, especially her girlfriend Ronnie. In addition, she participated in Senior Connections of Henrico County. Her favorite color was any shade of purple.

Helen enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking and shopping. She had a fondness for shopping and traveling which she passed down to the next generation. Often she could be found shopping at the old Stein Mart on West Broad Street and the former GiGi Hats on Grace Street. "Helen's Hats" are fondly worn today by some of her family and friends. Together, Helen and her daughter Sandra planned many bus trips and cruises to destinations throughout the country and Europe and the Caribbean. For her retirement trip in 1994, she traveled to Paris France, Rome Italy, the French Riviera and Switzerland with her daughter Cynthia and other retirees. In 2019, she sailed to Hawaii and beyond.

She leaves to cherish her memories: devoted daughter, Cynthia Carter McReynolds (Kevin); son, Anthony Carter; 4 grandchildren, Comer Lamont "CL" Best, Emerald Best, Alayna Carter and Kevin Christopher McReynolds, Jr. "KJ"; 2 great grandchildren, Leilani Best-Willis and Ocean Creed Best; twin siblings, Earl Christopher and Mary Elaine Gerald; a host of many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.