Helen Adams Poindexter, 84, of Roanoke Rapids, died May 23, 2014 at her home after a long illness.

She was a lifelong resident of the city and was born December 19, 1929 to the late James Rufus Adams and Minerva Finch Hux and was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Albert Meriweather Poindexter.

She loved traveling, music, reading, dancing, golf, painting, and making crafts. Throughout her life, she enjoyed a very special bond with a few individual cats. Helen was employed as a silk screen painter for J.P. Stevens and carried that skill into a hobby of oil painting and other artistic endeavors. During her daughters' early years, she worked in the cafeteria at W.L. Manning Elementary School and worked her way up to manager.

She is survived by her partner of 27 years, Edward A. Harper, Sr. of Roanoke Rapids; daughters, Linda Strawn and husband, David of Clermont, GA and Cheryl Jenkins and husband, Ed of Dumfries, VA; sister, Margaret Shearin of Roanoke Rapids; brother, Bill Adams of Williamston, NC; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:30 PM on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at Askew Funeral Services in Roanoke Rapids which is handling the arrangements. The funeral service will follow the visitation in the Askew Chapel at 2:30 PM with Dr. Ed Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Community Home Care and Hospice of Roanoke Rapids for their expertise and kindness during her final battle with COPD.