Helen Swecker Barbour

Helen Marie Swecker Barbour, a beacon of love and gentleness, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Helen was born on October 14, 1941, in Beverly, West Virginia to the late Norman and Nina Swecker. Helen's journey through life was marked by her thoughtful nature and the joy she found in the company of friends and family.

Valedictorian of her 1959 graduating class at Beverly High School, Helen's intellectual prowess was evident early on. Her career was as varied as it was fulfilling, beginning with drafting for a North Carolina telephone company in the 1960s. Her professional path led her to office work at a Texas oil company in Dallas and eventually to traversing the Southwest as a long-haul truck driver. Helen concluded her diverse career upon retiring from Spring Leaf Financial in January 2014. Her myriad of jobs across many states allowed her to touch the lives of countless individuals, leaving behind friends in every corner.

Helen's interests were simple yet profound. She cherished being around friends, reveling in their company, and sharing in the joy of games and puzzles. Her love for the outdoors was evident in her appreciation for sunny days spent in nature's embrace. These simple pleasures were the cornerstones of a life well-lived, filled with laughter and the warmth of companionship.

Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Elmon "Al" Barbour Sr.; her grandson, Richard Evans, II; her sister, Audra Barlett; her brothers, Bill, Ben, and Bob Swecker; and daughters-in-law, Charlene Richardson and Shelly Wyrick Evans. Her legacy continues through her loving family, including her children, Richard Evans and his wife Christine, Elmon "Al" Barbour, Jr. and his wife Sherry, Steven Ray Barbour and Teresa Lynn Southerland; her cherished grandchildren, Lee Ann Barnhardt, Haleigh Barbour, Ian Evans, Asa Evans, Clay Barbour, Eric Southerland, Neal Southerland, Justin Southerland, and Mallory Breeden; and her adored great-grandchildren, Hunter, Haleigh, Colton, Kegan, and Finley. Helen is also survived by her sisters, Betty Hinzman, Creole Elbon, Lou Johnson, and Janice Porter; her brother, Barrett Swecker; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly. Each family member and friend carries a piece of Helen's loving and gentle spirit, a testament to the profound impact she had on their lives.

Helen's memory will be cherished and kept alive through the stories shared by those who knew her, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday December 13, 2025, from 3:30pm to 5pm at Bright Funeral Home.

The family wishes to thank the WakeMed STICU and Stay at Home Care for all your love and care given to Helen and also to all the family friends for all your beloved memories, time, and travels.