Obituary of Helen Hurst Andrews

Helen Hurst Andrews, 89, of Wytheville, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin “Al” Andrews; her parents, Jesse Crockett Hurst and Margaree Lindsey Hurst; sisters, Velma Hurst Crabtree, Jennie Hurst Umberger, Tharon Hurst Guynn; brothers, Claude Hurst, William Hurst, Crockett Hurst, Swanson Hurst, Eugene “Tuney” Hurst, Carroll Montgomery; and grandson, Gaston Tilley. Survivors include daughter, Patty Umberger Tilley (Gary) of Lexington, SC; son, David “Ozzie” Umberger (Kathryn) of Pulaski, VA; granddaughter, Jordan Tilley Hoge (Travis) of Chapin, SC; grandson, Ryan Umberger (Cassidy) of Pulaski, VA; great-granddaughter, Harper Hoge of Chapin, SC; sisters-in-law, Nancy Pugh Hurst of Wytheville, VA, Nita Andrews of Moravian, NC; numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and close friends whom she would have been lost without and helped make her last year’s enjoyable. Helen was an integral member of Holy Advent Lutheran Church where she shared her piano playing abilities and her love of bringing people together. A mainstay of Stoney Fork Road since 1978, she knew and loved all of her neighbors and thought of them as extended family. She was known for her delicious country cooking, her door always being open for visitors, and her ability to make friends everywhere she went. To quote an essay about her life that Helen wrote for her granddaughter years ago: “Basically, my life has been simple, but good. I thank God for my husband, my children and their families, my sweet grandchildren, my church, friends, and neighbors who make my life complete.” Visitation will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Grubb Funeral Home with a service to follow at 2:00 PM conducted by Pastor Jonathan Hamman. Burial will follow at Mt. Mitchell Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Advent Lutheran Church, 4497 Stoney Fork Rd, Wytheville, VA 24382. Flowers would also be lovingly appreciated in honor of Helen’s love of plants. The family would also like to thank Senior Home Share, LLC and Wythe Hospice of Southwest Virginia for their care and compassion in the last days of Helen’s life. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome/com. Arrangements by Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville, VA.