1928
Helen
2021
Helen Marie Jones Riley Ross
January 23, 1928 — January 14, 2021
Helen Marie Jones Riley Ross, age 92, passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021. She
was born on January 23,1928 to Herman and Carrie Jones in a log cabin on a small farm in Lynchburg. Preceding her in death was her husband William Riley Sr of 42 years.
Helen is survived by her loving husband Charles E. Ross of 21 years, her sons, William
Riley Jr, and Tricia Riley of Atlanta, GA, Fredrick Lee Riley of Elon, her daughters Sue Ross of Beltsville, MD, and Sara Ross Gorman of Myrtle Beach, SC, and her three grandchildren Joe Gorman and Ireland and William Riley. Helen was a blessing to her family, much loved and treasured.
Helen was from a family of nine children (Fred, Herman, Ellie, Ebb, Dick, Bob, Betsy, and Steve Jones). She grew up in Lynchburg on Ivy Drive, a place affectionately known as the Hill. She lived a life full of sibling fun, adventure, and they were as close as any family could be. She survived all her brothers and sisters, but never forgot the love and adventures they shared. She loved to tell stories of her family from their log cabin burning to the ground (1937) and playing croquet to sleigh riding.
Helen graduated in 1945 from EC Glass and began work at Guggenheimer’s where she
worked her way up to being a buyer who traveled to New York City. She conducted fashion shows and hosted her own radio program “Helen High on High Teen Times” for
Guggenheimer’s. Once she married and moved away, she continued her fashion career becoming a buyer for Heironimus in Roanoke. After being a wonderful homemaker and mother, she became Preschool director for Manassas Presbyterian Church until she retired and moved back to the Hill in Lynchburg where she and her sisters had made a pact to come back to the home place and retire.
Helen and Charlie are members of Westminster Presbyterian Church where they have
served with love and commitment to their church. Helen was always willing to help others from serving ice cream for Camp Timothy to supporting Charlie with his Boys and Girls Club work. She was an amazing woman and never grew tired of working or doing her best for everyone.
The family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the staff of Westminster Canterbury who cared so lovingly for Helen during this difficult time.
A celebration of Helen J. Riley Ross and Betsy Jamerson life and faith will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Westminster Presbyterian Church 1022 Floyd St. Lynchburg, VA. 24501.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.
was born on January 23,1928 to Herman and Carrie Jones in a log cabin on a small farm in Lynchburg. Preceding her in death was her husband William Riley Sr of 42 years.
Helen is survived by her loving husband Charles E. Ross of 21 years, her sons, William
Riley Jr, and Tricia Riley of Atlanta, GA, Fredrick Lee Riley of Elon, her daughters Sue Ross of Beltsville, MD, and Sara Ross Gorman of Myrtle Beach, SC, and her three grandchildren Joe Gorman and Ireland and William Riley. Helen was a blessing to her family, much loved and treasured.
Helen was from a family of nine children (Fred, Herman, Ellie, Ebb, Dick, Bob, Betsy, and Steve Jones). She grew up in Lynchburg on Ivy Drive, a place affectionately known as the Hill. She lived a life full of sibling fun, adventure, and they were as close as any family could be. She survived all her brothers and sisters, but never forgot the love and adventures they shared. She loved to tell stories of her family from their log cabin burning to the ground (1937) and playing croquet to sleigh riding.
Helen graduated in 1945 from EC Glass and began work at Guggenheimer’s where she
worked her way up to being a buyer who traveled to New York City. She conducted fashion shows and hosted her own radio program “Helen High on High Teen Times” for
Guggenheimer’s. Once she married and moved away, she continued her fashion career becoming a buyer for Heironimus in Roanoke. After being a wonderful homemaker and mother, she became Preschool director for Manassas Presbyterian Church until she retired and moved back to the Hill in Lynchburg where she and her sisters had made a pact to come back to the home place and retire.
Helen and Charlie are members of Westminster Presbyterian Church where they have
served with love and commitment to their church. Helen was always willing to help others from serving ice cream for Camp Timothy to supporting Charlie with his Boys and Girls Club work. She was an amazing woman and never grew tired of working or doing her best for everyone.
The family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the staff of Westminster Canterbury who cared so lovingly for Helen during this difficult time.
A celebration of Helen J. Riley Ross and Betsy Jamerson life and faith will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Westminster Presbyterian Church 1022 Floyd St. Lynchburg, VA. 24501.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helen Marie Jones Riley Ross, please visit our flower store.
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