Helen Walker

Helen P. Van De Walker, born May 28, 1931 passed through Heaven's gates December 6, 2018.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Robert Van De Walker and her four siblings, Ella, Matthew, Janet, and Edward. Survived by two daughters, Janet (Bjorn) Svedin, Mary Ann (Mike) Vermillion, and 5 grandchildren: Lucas Svedin, Jacob Svedin, Emma Svedin, Katie Vermillion, and Chad Vermillion who were the joy of her life.

Helen was born in Cambridge, Mass. and was raised in the Boston area. At the age of 27 she moved to Jacksonville, Florida where she met and married her husband and gave birth to her two daughters. In 1969, she moved with her family to Hendersonville, TN where she taught kindergarten and piano lessons to many of Hendersonville's current residents. She was an accomplished pianist and organist and was for many years the pianist at First Baptist Church. She was a faithful Sunday School teacher, member of the Nashville area Christian Women's Club, and an ardent supporter of Vanderbilt basketball.

In 1976, with her husband, she founded Van Candy Company, now Van Vending Service. After retiring in 1994, she and Bob returned to Florida and lived in Vero Beach until his death in 2015. Together they were an active and vibrant part of Grace Baptist Church where she joyfully accepted the post of church pianist until returning to Hendersonville in 2016.

Her family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff and caretakers of Hickory Hills Alzheimers Care, as well as to AsceraCare Hospice. Her beautiful, gentle spirit and lovely laughter will be missed by all of us who loved her.
Service of remembrance and celebration Friday, December 14, 2:30 pm. Hendersonville Memory Gardens, 353 E. Main Street, Hendersonville 37075