Helen Porter Smith, age 92, of Burgaw died Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at her home.

She was born February 4, 1917 in Hopewell, Virginia, the daughter of the late James Alexander Porter, Jr. and Cora Emma Irene Smith Porter. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Robert Marvin Smith, Jr. in 1978; her daughters, Carolyn (age 1 year) in 1947 and Pamela (age 8 years) in 1953; brother, James Alexander Porter, Jr. in 1996; and sister, Lois Porter Rhody in 2007.

She is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Porter Moore of Denver, NC; brother-in-law, Bill Smith of Manning, SC; nephews, David Shaffner, Bubba Shaffner, and Elliott Porter; nieces, Judy Walker and Ann Duncan; great nieces and nephews, Robbie Shaffner, Mark Shaffner, Kim Shaffner Jones, Wendy Duncan Smith, Scott Shaffner, Libbi Shaffner Watts, Lori Shaffner Shumate and Joie Shaffner Herring; eighteen great great nieces and nephews and three great, great, great niece and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

Prior to moving to Burgaw Mrs. Smith was a member of Manning United Methodist Church in Manning, SC where Robert and Helen lived for many years. She continued to be a blessing to her many friends and family in Manning. After moving to Burgaw Helen joined Westview United Methodist Church where she was affectionately called Aunt Helen. For the past nine years she had made her home in Burgaw with Joie, Dean, Cory and Sydney Herring with her niece, Joie, being her main caregiver. Aunt Helen was soft spoken, kind of heart and gentle in spirit lady who lived her Christian life with grace and thoughtfulness for others.

Graveside funeral service will be 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at Riverview Memorial Park with the Reverend E. J. Highsmith officiating.

Joie Herring would like to thank the entire staff of Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their assistance with Helen's care and loving support given to Joie. Special thanks to Deborah Reece and Donna Grinbergs for volunteering their time on Friday nights to sit with Helen so that Joie could attend Corey's football games.

Condolences may be sent to the family below.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.