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Helen Gifford Obituary

Helen Gifford, of Christiansburg, Va., went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 3, 2009. Helen Seely Gifford was born December 4, 1917, to Maude and Clarence Sealy, of Walton, N.Y. She graduated from Walton High School in 1936. Helen worked for Dr. Holly and wife, then married Grenfall Gifford on August 20, 1938, at her parents' home in Walton (Northfie1d), N.Y. Her husband became a minister. They had five children, Reuel E.M. Gifford, of Central Falls, R.I., Bradford (and Nadja), of Three Mile Bay, N.Y., Erik Arne (deceased), of McCraken, Neb., Majken (and Skip) Mathis, of Blacksburg, Va., and Edris T. (and Frankie) Perdue, of Christiansburg, Va. She is survived by 14 beloved grandchildren; 17 greatgrandchildren; and one greatgreat-grandchild. Helen donated her body to science as a gift for research. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2009, at the Trinity Baptist Church in Christiansburg, Va., with Pastor Monroe Hedrick officiating. There will also be a memorial service at Faith Fellowship Church in Watertown, N.Y., on Sunday, March 8, 2009, with Pastor Mike Bartholomew officiating. Arrangements by DeVilbiss Funeral Home, Radford, Va. "Home in Heaven with family and loved ones at last."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on Mar. 5, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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Helen Larkin

March 9, 2009

"Sister Gifford" as we all knew her. She was certainly a wonderful sister in the Lord. Her life and testimony followed her in praise for the Lord. She was not only a pastor's wife loved and respected but a close and dear friend.

ENID MOORE

March 6, 2009

We love you Grandma and will miss you. You could always make me laugh. Love you and see you in a little while. Love, Brian Enid and Daniel

Aurora Gifford

March 6, 2009

Farewell Grandma, Blessed to know you are in the Presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thanks for your Legacy.

Steve Perdue

March 6, 2009

Blessings to my Brother Frankie and my sister-in-law Edris. Kathie and I send our love.

Aleks Gifford

March 6, 2009

Grandma, I miss you so very much. I wish I could have spent more time with you. But thank you for staying up with me last year and telling me the missing pieces. I do so love you... and I am glad you don't hurt any more. Tell Iva and Ashely hi and we love and miss them. I love you.

Brad Gifford

March 6, 2009

Grandpa, Arne, Iva and Ashley are now showing Grandma "around the place."

BCGJ, Elijah, Josias, Lydia, and Johnathan by proxy.

Frankie Perdue

March 5, 2009

You will be missed for so many reasons I can't begin to say them all. However, you are with Pa and Erik, Ashley and so many others. Who could ask you back into that body of pain? Not I Mom ... not I. Lovingly, Your Other Son ... Frankie

Daniel Larkin

March 5, 2009

I will always remember the kindness that Mr. and Mrs. Gifford showed me so many years ago. And I am thinking of my two "big sisters" who I miss and am looking forward to seeing again.

I thank God that he brought the Gifford family into my life.

All things work together for good for those who love God.

Elisabeth Van Dyk

March 5, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of Mrs. Gifford's passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Love from
Elisabeth Amy (Larkin) Van Dyk

Cynthia McClenon

March 5, 2009

Grandma is with Jesus and I love her!

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