Helen Louise (Garvin) James

Helen Louise (Garvin) James of South Prince George, Virginia, died suddenly on Friday, January 26, 2018, at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. She was born to James Clester Garvin and Thelma Mae (Miller) Garvin in Olive Hill, Kentucky on May 2. She was preceded in death by her parents, JC and Thelma Garvin; her sister, Virginia Ellen Garvin; her son-in-law, William Olmsted Antozzi, Jr.; and her husband, Louie Everett James. She is survived by her three daughters, Jeri Lou (James) Antozzi of Oldsmar, Florida, Virginia Diane (James) Jones and her husband, John Michael Jones III of Grapevine, Texas, and Cindi Gayle (James) Hardy and her husband, Vincent Dever Hardy of Petersburg, Virginia; seven grandchildren, Colette Marie Antozzi, William Olmsted Antozzi III, Jeannine Louise (Antozzi) Busch, Laura Elizabeth (Jones) Wilbert, John Michael Jones IV, Douglas Vincent Hardy, and Hannah Dever Hardy; two great-grandchildren, Ethan William Busch and Sophia Helen Busch and a host of dear friends. Helen graduated from Olive Hill High School and traveled the world with her husband, Lou James, when he was serving in the U.S. Army. She modeled for a well known Italian Fashion House when she was living in Vicenza, Italy. She had many interests over the years such as being a Gray Lady, bridge, bowling, a member of N.C.O. Women’s Club, Welcome Wagon Club, Girl Scout leader, a member of the Young Women’s Christian Association and Quota Club. She was a lifetime member of Eastern Star as well as a member of the Caladesi Chapter, NSDAR. Helen was a devout member of Tabb Street Presbyterian Church in Petersburg and served as a Trustee. She was a member of the Petersburg Art League, Petersburg Historical Society, and the Country Club of Petersburg. She was very involved in her community. Helen’s real estate career spanned over 45 years. She was one of the first women realtors in the Tri City area and she started out with
Schwalm Real Estate Company. She became a real estate broker and opened her own company, Helen James Realty. Through numerous mergers she was affiliated with Realty Group; Bowers, Nelms, & Fonville; and Long & Foster. Helen had been an associate with the Long & Foster Tri-Cities Southpark office since 1996. She was honored with the Realtor Emeritus status by the National Association of Realtors in 2014. She was a Hall of Fame member of Long & Foster’s Gold Team and she was awarded Southside Virginia Association of Realtors Realtor of the Year, Associate of the Year and a Million Dollar Producer of over 40 years. She previously held the professional designation of Certified
Residential Specialist (CRS). Helen was a member of the Southside Virginia Association of Realtors and the Home Builders Association of Southside Virginia. She was the BEST wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend one could have! Her family, friends, and coworkers are going to miss her smile, love and enthusiasm for life.
Per her request there was a private family graveside service with Reverend Virginia "Gini" DiStanislao presiding which was held Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tabb Street Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 831, Petersburg, Virginia 23804 or Ladies Memorial Association of Petersburg, c/o Martha Atkinson, 111 Rochelle Lane, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803. Cards may be sent to J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, Petersburg Chapel, 103 South Adams Street, Petersburg, Virginia 23803. Condolences can also be written online at J.T. Morriss and Son Funeral Home’s website, www.jtmorriss.com