Obituary of Helen Funk York

Helen Funk York was the oldest of 6 children born to Charlie and Isabel (Belle) Funk on August 13, 1930. Her childhood was spent in the mountains of Galax, Virginia which she cherished all of her life. As the oldest child, Helen was Momma's little helper, Daddy's girl, and big sister. Taking her place in the sibling rank, she was also the one in control. She retired from Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company where she served as Executive Vice President of the New Business Department. 

Helen passed from this life to her eternal rest on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Isabel (Belle) Funk; her husband, Julius Rayfield York; sisters, Patsy Moxley, Jane Anne Hudson, Frankie Vaughan; brother, Billy Funk; and a much loved nephew, Mike Stack. She is survived by her brother, John (Carol) Funk of West Chester, PA; brother-in-law Billy Vaughan of Fries, VA; nephews, Derek (Erica) Vaughan of Charlotte, NC, Brian (Michele Magdeburg) Vaughan of Hilton Head, SC, Mark (Patricia) Funk of Lancaster, PA; nieces, Cathy Funk Haney of West Chester, PA, Michelle Davis of Galax, VA; and Dot Brickey of West Columbia, SC, her loyal and dedicated friend who loved Helen as only a daughter could.

The family would like to recognize the staff at Still Hopes who provided excellent care for Helen. You went over and above to make her life comfortable and assured her needs were met. A very special “thank you” to Marie James, Renee Nance and Tammy Freeman. You were her guardian angels for which we will always be grateful. Your love for her was reflected on a daily basis. 

A memorial service will be held at Cayce United Methodist Church, 1600 12th Street, Cayce, SC, at noon on Monday, October 17, 2022, with visitation from 11:00 until 11:45 AM in Chambers Hall at the church. The service will be available through livestream at www.cayceumc.com. A graveside service will be held at the Summerfield United Methodist Church Cemetery, Carsonville, VA on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 2 PM. Family and friends will meet at the Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home, 201 W. Center Street, Galax, VA at 1 PM to travel to the cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cayce United Methodist Church.  

Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington, SC, and Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home of Galax, VA are serving the family.