Jean Veach Helms was born on October 18, 1936, in Kansas City, Missouri. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Carrollton, Virginia, on September 25, 2026.

Jean was the beloved wife of the late Ronald Edward Helms, a loving mother to Donald Wesley Helms and a cherished grandmother to Joshua Ned Harbants, Michael Christian Frake, and Sara Christina Frake. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Ayven Josiah Harbants, Josslyn Avanka Harbants, and Mason John Frake. Jean is also survived by her brother, James L. Veach.

Jean was an intelligent and witty woman with a sharp mind, a wonderful sense of humor, and a natural curiosity about the world around her. She had a deep love of history and was especially passionate about genealogy—researching her ancestors and uncovering the stories of the generations who came before her. That love of history carried into her part-time work at the Hampton History Museum, where she enjoyed being surrounded by a subject that fascinated her and preserving the stories that connect generations.

Jean also had a creative spirit and a love for art and fashion design. She enjoyed drawing her own fashion designs, expressing her imagination and personal sense of style through her artwork.

Though she is no longer with us, Jean’s story lives on in the family she cherished, the history she explored, the art she created, and the memories she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who held her dear.

Jean had a special way of expressing her love, with words her family will carry in their hearts forever: “I love you more than forever.”