Helen Roberts Obituary

The LORD reached down and took Helen to her heavenly home, Friday October 24, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. She died peacefully at her home in Richmond, Virginia surrounded by family. She was 81. Born November 10, 1943, in Campbell County, VA. Helen was the daughter of the late Ada H. and Alphonse J. Murdock. She was preceded in death by a sister, Gail M. Johnson, a cousin, Pam Harvey, and a nephew, Christopher O. Murdock. She leaves to cherish her memory a son Jonathan P. Murdock, a devoted daughter-in-law Naomie E. Murdock, two grandsons Jonathan P. Murdock Jr., and Jonah A. Murdock: three sisters Alfreda M. Cardwell of Alexandria, VA, Arnethia B. Murdock and Brenda F. Murdock of Lynchburg, VA.; three nephews Michael G. Johnson (Stephanie) of Madison Heights, VA., Ernest D. Cardwell of Alexandria, VA, and Jason C. Murdock of Lynchburg, VA., and two special friends, Ms. Cleon Toombs of Richmond and Ms. Maria M. Thornhill of Lynchburg.

Always a songstress at heart, growing up Helen would have the younger sisters and cousins’ line up by voice (soprano, alto or don't know) and proceed to teach them songs and hymns and encouraging the joys of singing along with her piano playing. It was fun, entertaining and from living in this experience, we all reaped the benefits of togetherness, sharing and enjoying the heart of the family.

Helen was the first of her family to attend public school in Campbell County and set a path for education, goals and accomplishment that was travelled by siblings and other family members. Helen was a 1963 graduate of Campbell County High School in Rustburg, VA. She earned her BA degree from Virginia Union University and her master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. Helen was a member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority. She worked on the staff of two Virginia Congressmen before becoming an advocate case worker with the Virginia Department of Social Services until she retired in 2012.

Helen was blessed with a heavenly voice which she lent to various choral and musical ensembles throughout the Richmond area. She often sang with the Garland Avenue Baptist and Ebenezer Baptist churches, sharing her love of the old hymns and songs. She was active in multiple theatrical productions contributing her voice and talents to their performances.

Helen loved to sew, knit and crochet and enjoyed many arts and crafts projects that displayed the depth of her talented and artistic abilities. There was not a fabric store or arts and crafts shop that she did not know. Her love of baking produced baked goods and treats that she generously shared with local church and community events.

A viewing with family present will be held November 7, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Tharp Funeral Home in Lynchburg, VA. A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Harvey Martin Family Cemetery at 10 John Ada Drive in Lynchburg, VA 24504 with the repast following at John Ada Drive.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is serving the family.