Helen Hood Baker Wallace, 86, of Raleigh, NC passed away peacefully on August 24th, 2024 at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh.
Helen was born in Smithfield, North Carolina on November 15th, 1937, to Ruth Hood Baker and Benjamin Alton Baker. She graduated from St. Mary’s Junior College in 1958 and enjoyed taking additional classes from Campbell University in her free time. Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Robert Franklin Wallace (Bob) and her son Robert Franklin Wallace Jr (Frank).
After spending many years as a homemaker and mother, Helen ran the North Carolina License Plate Agency in Smithfield. She loved this work and was always happy to help everyone who came through the door. For many years, Helen volunteered and worked for Johnston Health Hospice, and she also served on the Hospice board at the hospital. She also was a long time volunteer for the Rex Hospital Cancer Center. Helen loved to play bridge, go to plays and listen to music.
One of the biggest joys of her life was cooking, and she was most proud of the “Nana’s Favorite Recipes” cookbook that her daughters published in 2017. Helen was the happiest when she was in her kitchen preparing a large meal for friends and family.
Helen is survived by her two daughters, Ruth Wallace Welch (Carl Welch), and Helen Tye Wallace (Joey Worrells), as well as her sister Candy Baker Furr (Jim) and brother Ben Baker (Janet) and her daughter-in-law Maureen Wallace Cunningham. Helen has 7 grandchildren, Robert Wallace (Courtney), Jon Wallace, Caroline Mills, (Alex), Maggie Wallace, Carrie Moss, Carson Vale (Nate) and Ben Pierce, as well as 3 adorable great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, all of whom enjoyed many wonderful meals that she prepared over the years.
Helen’s funeral will be held at Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield, NC on September 10th at 1pm. Visitation with family will follow in Wesley Hall at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to SECU Hospice House located at 426 Hospital Road, Smithfield, NC 27577.
