Helen Thompson Pillis

Helen Thompson Pillis, affectionately known as "Pinkie", 88, of Roanoke, passed peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2009. She was predeceased by her husband, Elmer S. Pillis Sr.; parents, Dunn and Roxie Thompson; two brothers, Dunn N. (Junior) Thompson Jr. and Bueford Thompson; two sisters, Ruth Early and Louise O'Hara; and a son-in-law, Bart Rowe. Helen was a graduate of both William Fleming High School and National Business College. She was employed by the Norfolk and Western Railway before becoming a full time homemaker. A member of Phi Chi Psi Sorority, she currently was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. Surviving are her children, Becky and Mike Claggett, Sam and Nancy Pillis, Marty Rowe and Greg Pillis and his fiancée, Joan Huff; 10 grandchildren, Erin Hancock (Justin), Mandy Ames (Matt), Denise Lisle (Jeremy), Heather Pillis, Michael Pillis, Jeremy, Jason and Steven Rowe and Devin and Vicky Pillis; two great-grandchildren, Taylor and Jase Lisle; sister, Kathleen Martin and husband, Frank; and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 12 noon on Saturday, August 15, 2009, at Oakey's North Chapel. The Rev. E.E. "Dick" Jones will officiate. Interment will be in Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2009, at Oakey's North Chapel, 540-362-1237.