Marguerite "Helen" Williams (Smith) Pankey

God is wise, God is faithful, God is love, and in his omnipotence, he called our beloved, Marguerite Smith Williams Pankey, to eternal rest, Wednesday, June 5, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Affectionately known as Helen, she was born September 17, 1931, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the parentage of Walter Sr. and Belle Short Smith. Helen was the light of our lives. She enriched our lives and always made things brighter. Forever through eternity, Helen will be remembered as a woman of faith, family and friendship. May she rest in Our Father's Unchanging Hands.

Helen and her family moved to North Carolina when she was a youngster. She received her formal education in the Stanly County public schools. Prior to retirement Helen was employed in the manufacturing industry in Dayton, Ohio.

Her spiritual journey began at an early age. She was a former member of St. Luke Holiness Church, Badin, North Carolina where she was a devoted member of the choir. She later joined St. Delight Church, Albemarle, North Carolina. Helen was not ordinary, she was unforgettable. Her family described her as: joy giver, sharp keen mind, Scrabble Queen, word search dominator, great cook, mother to all, quick witted, big heart, and valued relationship with God. She had a special relationship with her nieces and nephews. Words cannot express how she loved her children and adored her grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren. She always enjoyed spending time with family.

We are comforted in knowing that Helen is in God's Care and has reunited with her parents; husbands: Willie Pankey and Homer Williams; children: Dora Diggs, Ronnie Williams, Christopher and Marcus Pankey; siblings: Henry Smith, Walter Smith Jr., Willie Mae Harris, Geraldine Turner, Elizabeth Christian and Juanita Conward.

Helen's memory will forever be loved and cherished by her daughters: Elder Evelyn Scott, Lemon Pankey, Margie (Joseph) Williams-Dancy,  Beulah Williams, Brenda McLeod and Helen Nelson; son,  Elder Roger (Dietra) Williams; thirty-six grandchildren; sixty-six great grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; sister, WaLillian Tyson; daughters-in-law: Dee Pankey Thompson and Karen Williams; son-in-law, Dock Diggs; sister-in-law, Miatta Smith; Godsons: Rickey Moore and Stan (Farrah) Owens; special cousin, Eula Mae Lewis; special friends: Gertrude Robinson and Ann Scrivens; a host of other relatives and countless friends.

A special recognition to granddaughter, Veronica Williams; nephew, Michael Conward Sr.; and niece, Karen Davis for the love and care shown to our loved one during her illness.

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