Helen Smith Shifflett

STAUNTON – Helen Fay (Smith) Shifflett, 86, passed away Monday (March 30, 2026) in Staunton Post Acute Care.

Born February 20, 1940 in Clifton Forge, she was a daughter of the late James Elbridge Smith Sr. and Lottie Florence (Deeds) Smith. She graduated from Warwick High School in Newport News.

Helen was a long-time employee of A&P Stores, and worked in stores in Newport News, Waynesboro, Staunton and Harrisonburg before retiring in 1997. She was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church. Helen enjoyed volunteering at the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. She was an avid NASCAR fan, and also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and cooking.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wilbert M. Shifflett; sister Peggy Newberry; and brother-in-law Hassell Newberry. She is survived by two sons, Mark Huffman and David Huffman (wife Sandra), all of Staunton; a brother, James E. “Jimmy” Smith, Jr. of Newport News; granddaughters Amanda Metje and Helen Cash (husband Jonathan); and nephews Kevin Newberry and Stephen Newberry.

A graveside funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, April 3 Green Hill Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Lester Kennedy.

Memorials may be directed to the Arbor Day Foundation.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at bearfuneralhome.com.