Helen Hamlin

On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, Helen Elizabeth Robertson Hamlin transitioned into eternal rest. She was the fourth of eight children. The late Alethia “Nippy” Robertson, Sr., and Margaret “Wink” Elizabeth Holloway Robertson were gifted from heaven on December 20,1948 a daughter. God knew her name and it was “Helen Elizabeth” Baptized at an early age, she was active in ministry at Little Zion Baptist Church. Throughout the years she participated on the Combined and Women’s Usher Ministry, Bible Study and the First Hour Ministry. Helen was also a member of Kingdom Women After God’s Heart Ministry where she was recognized and celebrated as a “Kingdom Women of Honor.” She loved the Lord and enjoyed giving him praise through her worship and dance. A graduate of Westside High School, class of 1976, she excelled in Basketball and went on to play for sat Paul’s University in Lawrenceville, VA. She was employed by Gwaltney of Smithfield, Little’s Supermarket, Atlantic Nuclear Services, Giant Open Air Markets and Farm Fresh Supermarkets. From her work experience she formed lifetime friends and contacts. Education was near and dear to her heart as she exercised her gift of encouragement to pursue it, push through it and finish it. She was a member of the parent Teacher Association continuously involved in school activities and fundraisers to purchase school supplies and equipment. She faithfully participated in the Box Tops for school campaigns. She exercised her gift of encouragement daily making phone calls and sending cards of many sorts. It was not unusual to receive a card from her just because. Helen’s bouts with breast cancer gave her the drive to be an advocate for breast cancer prevention and search for a cure. She was a member of the American Cancer Society and a member of Isle of Wight Relay for Life Team. This is how she developed her “pink passion.” She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Decatur Holloway and her nephew Jeffrey Jones, whom she loved dearly. Helen leaves to cherish her memories her husband of 47 years, Walter Hamlin, Jr., two daughters; Kendra Arlease Saunders and Kayla Niobe Hamlin; two sons in love Shea Robertson and Javaar Robertson; six grandsons: Kendall Dean, Mikaiah Hamlin, Kelby Saunders, Jr., Micah and Malik Hamlin and Kennedy Saunders; a grandson in love, Shamar Robertson; five sisters, Barbara Wise (Thomas Wise, Jr., deceased) a godson, Brandon Jefferson, Marion Smith, Thelma Harden, Jr., (Robert Harden Jr., deceased); her brother Alethia Robertson, Deloise Jefferson (Jeremiah Jefferson) Sadie Robertson; sister in law, Evelyn Blount (Alvin Blount, deceased) Godson, Brandon Jefferson (LaToya Jefferson) and a loving circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues. A Graveside Celebration will be held 12pm Monday, May 3, 2021 at Emmanuel Baptist Church Cemetery, 11150 Emanuel Church Road, Smithfield, VA 23430. Drive -up Service was held at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Viewing will take place on Sunday, May 2, 2021 from 2-4pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Mrs. Hamlin is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please Keep the Hamlin family in your thoughts and prayers. A Video Tribute of Mrs. Helen Hamlin