Helen Barnes Smith Keever

Helen Barnes Smith Keever, age 90, of Hiddenite, NC, passed away peacefully at Gordon Hospice House on March 27, 2026. Born March 25, 1936, in Statesville, NC, to Helen Campbell and Jackson Oren. She grew up surrounded by a loving family and community. Helen graduated from Hiddenite High School and attended Appalachian State Teachers College. A member of SRUMC, she was a Sunday School teacher and occasional pianist and a lifelong member of The Women's Society of Christian Mission, now UWFaith. She volunteered at the Hiddenite Food Pantry and brought joy to the faces of Maple Leaf residents by playing the piano weekly. She provided transport and support to friends and neighbors who were without.

After marrying her elementary school sweetheart and husband of 70 years, Philip, they made their home in Hiddenite and later enjoyed living on the shores of Kerr Scott Reservoir and Lake Norman before returning full circle to the family farm during retirement.

She was a loving and supportive mother to Rhonda, Phil, and Joe. A devoted Mamaw, she treasured the laughter and adventures she shared with Whitley and Aaron and took great pride in their accomplishments.

An avid reader, potter, and award-winning watercolor artist, she saw beauty in the ordinary. Whether by watercolor brush or clay in hand, Helen captured the fleeting moments of life and made them last forever. Her yard was full of flowering trees, shrubs and plants including native wildflowers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Wm. Jackson (Jackie) Smith, daughter-in-law Melony Faw, and son-in-law James Baker.

She is survived by her husband Philip A. Keever, her three children, Rhonda Waters (Roger), Phil Keever (Tracy), and Joe Keever (Diane). A granddaughter Whitley Carrigan (Mark), grandson Aaron Keever, sister-in-law Martha Mariowe Smith, nieces and nephew Andrew Smith (Kara), Rebecca Bouchard (Tommy), and Jacqueline Foy (Peter), six great and two great-great-nephews and nieces.

The family will receive friends Monday, March 30, 2026, at Alexander Funeral Service in Taylorsville from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. There will be a graveside service at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Shady Grove Cemetery located at 160 Shady Grove Rd. Hiddenite NC. Honorary pallbearers will be Andrew Smith, Garren Smith, Aaron Keever, Corky Bradley, Teddy Adams, Mark Carrigan, Andrew Beck, and Kevin Smith.

Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com