Linda Carolyn Helm

In Loving Memory of Linda Carolyn Helm

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Linda Carolyn Helm, who left us on Friday, September 26, 2025 at the age of 81, surrounded by her family and with her husband and her boys by her side. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend and she touched the lives of many with her sweet nature and her unwavering love for her family. She was strong in her faith, read her bible often, and knew exactly where she was going when she left this earth.

Carolyn is survived by her husband of 60 years, Thomas Edward Helm, her sons Gale Edward Helm and wife Cathy, and Kevin Wayne Helm and wife Jennifer, her granddaughters Reba Helm, Haley Helm, Cassie Helm, and Sheree Helm Dalton, her brother Richard (Cleon) Basham and sister Dorothy (Dot) Purdue, her special sister-in-law Connie Cumbie and husband Cy, and many nieces and nephews. She doted on her great-granddaughters Lillian and Berkley who loved to go visit their “Cookie Grandma”. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born October 23, 1943 and raised in Shawsville, Virginia, she came from a large family and was preceded in death by her parents Lottie Moses Basham and Noah Basham, and siblings Mildred (Mimmie) Basham , Tommy Basham, Mary Cline, William (Bill) Basham, and Jimmy Basham.

Carolyn met Tommy when she was still in high school and they married shortly after. She was named Miss Alleghany District 1962 and Tommy liked to brag that he married a beauty queen. It’s true that she was beautiful on the outside, but nothing compares to the beautiful woman she was on the inside.

Carolyn was very devoted to family. She dedicated her life to caring for her home, her husband, and her two boys. Even during her own times of struggle or pain, she was more concerned for her husband and her family than her own wellbeing. She was small in stature, but she had the heart of a giant and her warmth and compassion were felt by all who knew her. She was the matriarch of the family and drew us all together with her love for cooking and sharing meals, stories, and lots of laughter.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the caring and dedicated nurses and doctors at the Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital Intensive Care Unit. The compassion and hard work did not go unnoticed. In lieu of a service or flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.