On Thursday, August 27, 2026. Mary Helen Williams went home peacefully to be with the Lord while surrounded by family at Pruitt Place - Winston Salem. She was affectionately known as "Helen".

"Her transition marked the closing of a remarkable chapter in a life defined by faith, family. service, and unwavering devotion to God. Born into a God-fearing family in Davie County, North Carolina, Helen was the daughter of the late Wade Benjamin Smoot and Grace Gill Smoot. She learned the early values of hard work, humility, compassion and perseverance.

These values guided her throughout her 87 years and became the foundation of the legacy she leaves behind. Helen was educated in the Davie County Public Schools System and attended Winston Salem Teachers College. In 1962, she united in marriage to Benjamin Williams, beginning a union that would span over six decades. This union was blessed with four children and over the years the family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren who became the pride and joy of her life. Her commitment to Christ was evident through her faithful service in the church.

She served as an Usher, on the Mother's Board and volunteered in the Clothing Closet Outreach Missions at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church. With a smile that was beautiful and genuine, she was known for making everyone feel welcome, valued, and loved. Over the course of her life, she developed many meaningful and lasting friendships.

Throughout her career, she worked for North Carolina Baptist Hospital, building a reputation for dedication and dependability. She retired from North Carolina Baptist Hospital Central Sterilization Department, as an Assistant Director after twenty-five years of dedicated service. In addition to spending cherished time with her family at gatherings and special occasions, she loved celebrating holidays surrounded by those she loved. She also had a love for traveling and creating special memories with family. One of her most treasured experiences was an Alaskan cruise she and Ben enjoyed in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.

She was preceded in death by her brothers Wade Gray Smoot and Harvey Lee Smoot and sister Eleanor Ruth Verdell.

A Homegoing Celebration honoring her life and legacy will be held on Thursday at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m., with family visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Burial will follow at Piedmont Memorial Gardens.

Please continue to keep the Williams family lifted in prayer as they celebrate the life of their beloved loved one.

Arrangements are lovingly entrusted to Roberts Funeral Service, Winston-Salem.