Obituary for Deborah Helms.
Jean Brickey
She was a really sweet lady.
Debra "Debbie" Persinger Helms
September 9, 1954 -February 23, 2026
Debra "Debbie" P. Helms went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 23, 2026.
Debbie was born on September 9, 1954, to Emery and Antoinette "Toni "Persinger in Pittsburgh, Pa. When she was 11 years old, the family moved to Roanoke, Va. Debbie graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1972 and despite losing her sight during her college years she went on to receive her bachelor's degree at James Madison College and graduate studies at the University of Arkansas. Debbie devoted her whole career to teaching others how to cope with losing their sight as a rehabilitation teacher at the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired for more than 30 years.
Along with working, she was very active in her community. Debbie loved to bowl and for over 50 years she bowled locally in the Roanoke Valley Blind Bowlers and competed in tournaments regionally, and nationally. She was a member and president of Voice of the Blue Ridge for over 30 years. Debbie was a Past Worthy Matron and 45-year member of Etta Chapter 185 of the Order of the Eastern Star, and she also was a lifelong member of Woodlawn United Methodist Church, where she served as Lay Leader and the chair of numerous committees over the years.
Debbie also had many hobbies. She enjoyed planning events for groups she was involved in. Her favorite thing was to explore new gadgets and use computers. She loved to crochet, enjoyed learning new games, was always cooking and baking and she loved traveling to new places with her family.
Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Dennis; her daughter, Angela Helms; two sisters, Lois Ann Hiles and Donna Frantz (John); sister-in-law, Darlene Persinger; brother-in-law, Clayton Helms (Earlene); and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Emery Russell and Antoinette "Toni" Persinger; older brothers, Emery and Dennis Persinger; and brother-in-law, Bill Hiles.
The family would like to thank the care given for Debbie over the last few months by the nurses at Hermitage Roanoke & Gentiva Hospice.
The family will receive friends at Oakey's South Chapel on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Woodlawn United Methodist Church with Pastor John Snyder and the Rev. Morris Bennett officiating. A private burial will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Debbie to the Woodlawn Memorial Fund.
OAKEY'S FUNERAL SERVICE SOUTH CHAPEL Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3131
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