Helen Brown Galyen age 88 of Galax, Virginia passed away Saturday, September 3, 2011 in the Twin County Regional Hospital.

Helen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend.

She was born on August 4, 1923 in Galax to J. Henry and Berta Cole Brown. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband of 60 years, J. Bruce Galyen, Sr. ; her son J. Bruce "Jimmy" Galyen, Jr.; sisters Doris Newman, Lois Todd and Evelyn Moore; brothers Ralph Brown and James Brown.

She is survived by her daughter Jan G. Lingner,; grandson James Austin Lingner; granddaughter Susan G. Deihl and husband Josh Deihl; great-grandchildren, Grayson, Cole, Emily and Luke Deihl; special friend Jan Galyen; daughter-in-law Janet Galyen ; nieces and nephews Pat and Roger Martin, Sonny Newman, Sandra and Herb Wolter; many treasured cousins and friends.

Helen graduated from Galax High School in 1940, where she received many honors. She was in the Beta Club, Glee Club and the assistant editor of the annual. She graduated with honors from Radford College in 1943, with a BS Degree in Home Economics and Science. Helen was a member of Tau Delta Epsilon, the German Club and on the annual staff. She did graduate work at VPI.

After graduation from Radford, Helen taught Science for two years at Fries High School and one year at Marion High School. She taught Home Economics at Galax High School for 28 years with much love and passion for her students, fellow teachers and her many education organizations to which she belonged. She was most proud to be invited to become a member of the Elite Teacher's Organization of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society. Helen and Mrs. Thomasine Lemons were the only two teachers that were invited to join the Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Kappa Chapter in 1963. One purpose of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society is to honor women who have given distinctive service in any fields of education.

Helen was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church of Galax where she proudly served for many years as a board member, as well as a member of the Altar Guild.

She served many years as a volunteer at Twin County Regional Hospital.

The funeral service will be held Friday, September 9, 2011 at 11:00 AM in the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Richard Gregory officiating. Burial will follow in the Felts Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 9:30 AM until time for the service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to either the Galax Foundation for Excellence in Education, P.O. Box 487 Galax, Va. 24333; the youth fund of the First United Methodist Church or the Holston Home for Children.