Helen Faye Whitley, 73, passed away December 10, 2016. Helen was born in Micro,NC to the late Samuel and "Helen" Mildred Parker Gifford and was the loving wife of 8 years to the late Paul Leon Whitley, Jr. Besides her parents, Helen was predeceased by her brother, Shelton D. Gifford and sister, Patricia "Diane" Dozier. She was a clerk at Rose's for over 25 years.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Bonnie Umphlet; sons, Ronnie Wood (Diana), Donnie Wood (Janet), Joe Wood, Jeff Wood (Deidra);step daughters, Paula Whitley Darling and Robyn Whitley Jordan, daughter-in-law, Leslie Wood; fourteen grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren; brother, Larry D. Gifford (Brenda); sister, Brenda G. Mundy (Stephen "Danny"); special nephew, Ricky Dozier; first husband, J.B.Wood; and a host of other family and friends.

The family will receive friends at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 from 6-7:30 pm. A service to celebrate her life will be held Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at 11a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Riverside Memorial Park, 1000 E. Indian River Road, Norfolk. Please visit her book of memories at www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service if unable to attend and to leave a condolence to the family.