Helen Powell

Allen

Four Oaks, NC: Mrs. Helen Powell Allen, age 97 of Shaw’s Pond Road passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, NC surrounded by her loving family. Friends and family are welcome to pay their respects and view Mrs. Allen at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 2:00PM Friday, November 13, 2026 in the Mill Creek Christian Church Cemetery in Four Oaks, NC. Officiating will be Rev. Reba Mason and Mr. Justin Powell.

Mrs. Allen was born on September 13, 1929 in Johnston County to the late Aaron Cutus and Elma Lee Powell. She was preceded in death by her sisters and brother, Alice Allen, Louise Rhodes and Luby Powell. Mrs. Allen retired from The News and Observer and Data General. She was a member of Mill Creek Christian Church in Four Oaks. Mrs. Allen was a true farm girl who lived through the Great Depression, a generation that learned the value of hard work, making do with what you had, and appreciating the simple blessings of life. She carried those values with her throughout her years, finding joy in the everyday things that made a house a home. She loved cooking, canning, and preparing meals, taking pride in putting food on the table and caring for those around her. But just as much as she enjoyed working in the kitchen, she enjoyed a good laugh. Helen had a wonderful sense of humor and understood that life was meant to be lived, enjoyed, and filled with laughter. She was a woman shaped by simpler times, strong values, and a grateful heart, and she leaves behind memories that will continue to bring smiles to the faces of those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her son, Glenn Holmes (Sandra) of Benson; sister, Joyce P. Wood of Four Oaks; and several special nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made to the SECU Hospice House, P.O. Box 1376, Smithfield, NC 27577.

Arrangements by Rose and Graham Funeral Home, Benson, NC.