Obituaries

Helen Riggins Smalls peacefully went to be with the Lord on December 17, 2022, at Colleton Medical Center in Walterboro SC. Helen was born on August 13, 1939 in Santee SC. She was the fifth child of the late Willie and Mary Riggins. She was preceded in death by four siblings: Mary Lee House, Dolly Montgomery, Ethel Riggins and John Edward Riggins. Helen attended public schools in Santee SC until she moved to Charleston SC at an early age. She attended Bonds Wilson High School in North Charleston SC. Helen was employed by Trident Medical Center Hospital in North Charleston SC, until retirement. Helen married Herbert Smalls and from this union three sons were born: Michael, Karl and Gregory. Helen worked tirelessly to take care of her sons. She did not have a car, but she used to walk to and from work to provide for her family. There were times that Helen did not eat dinner to make sure that her sons were well fed. Helen served as mother and father to her children. She was also dedicated to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. So many of her grands and great grands spent countless days and nights in that “lil raggedy shack” by the railroad track. Helen’s love and care for her family also extended to that of the children in the Liberty Hill Community. She enjoyed cooking for the community, especially during the holidays. When you came to her home, she made sure to fix you a plate. Helen received many compliments for her sweet potato pies. Helen also had a great sense of humor and would light up any room she entered. Her sweet and loving spirit will be cherished by her children: Michael (Paula) Smalls, Karl Smalls (Vanessa), Gregory (Karen) Smalls, Son in love: Darryl (Raven) Clark, One daughter/niece: Audrea Miller all of North Charleston SC; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-six great grandchildren, one great great grandchild; two sisters: Ollie M. Montgomery and Rebecca R. West, one brother: Willie (Rosa Lee) Riggins Jr., one sister-in-law: Daisy W. Riggins, all of Santee SC; two close friends: Jean Joy of North Charleston SC and Earline White Williams of Mt. Pleasant SC, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Her Home Going Service will take place on Tuesday December 27, 2022, 11:00 AM at Destiny Worship Center, 3625 Azalea Drive, N. Charleston, SC. She will be laid to rest in Chapel Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Santee, SC. The Walk Thru will take place on Monday, December 26, 2022 at the funeral home from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.