She was born Dec. 12, 1921 to Robert Lee and Minnie Lee Dunn Spicer.

She was predeceased by two sisters, Louise Murrill and Evelyn Hawkes, and her brother, Robert L Spicer, Jr.

Her life was marked by generosity with her friendship, time, money, and service. The family stories are all of kindness, fun, Richmond hospitality, and the Southern way of keeping one's opinions to themselves if there was any chance of offending someone. Inside the family, she felt more free to state her opinions directly, especially where she believed it was necessary to help our character.

She was married to Ray M. Carter for 60 years during which time they raised two children, Janice and Paul. Although neither Hellen or Ray went to college, they made sure their children had the opportunity and paid for both their educations, including graduate schools. During those tuition years, she went to work at Richmond Memorial Hospital, retiring in 1983. She enjoyed her friendship with her co-workers, but we noticed her singing around the house had died out, to be heard again after her freedom was regained.

During the whole of her life, involvement in her church took precedence. For most of her life she was a member of Overbrook Presbyterian Church. She was the friend of the pastors, leader in children's programs, Cub Scouts, youth programs, Sunday school, women's circles, prayer meetings, Sunday morning and Sunday evening worship, oblivious to the complaints of her children who didn't want to be that involved. But now they are quite grateful for the example, training, and love for Jesus and His church that she helped develop in us.

She was the consummate aunt to all our cousins, remembering their birthdays and anniversaries, and was the grandmother who made sure all her grandchildren experienced her love and acceptance and anything else they might need.

She will be missed by us all.

She is survived by her sister, Myrtle Baker, and her sister-in-law, Dot Spicer; her daughter, Janice Reagan, and her son, Paul Carter and wife, Julie; grandchildren, Megumi Reagan and Paul Reagan and his wife, Hahna; Matthew Carter, Nathan Carter and his wife, Kim, Michael Carter and his wife, Cathalain, and Jonathan Carter; step-grandchildren, Jean Reagan (Peter Philips), Jane Greenberg (Mark) and John Ross Reagan (Suzanne). She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

She has seven great-grandchildren and one more who will soon arrive, three step-great-grandchildren and four (soon to be five) step-great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at New Hanover Presbyterian Church, 10058 Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116, on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. Interment will be at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens on Thursday, June 20, 2019, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider a gift to Grace Presbyterian Church Global Missions, 40 Village Way, Lexington, VA 24450, or to New Hanover Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.