Helen M. Smoot Strickler, 86, of Charles Town, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

Born on January 4, 1939, in Engle, WV, Helen was the daughter of the late Marshall and Annie McDonald. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Helen was a lifelong member of the Mission Tabernacle Holiness Church in Harpers Ferry, where she served with devotion.

Helen was preceded in death by her first husband, John Henry Smoot Sr., with whom she shared 47 years of loving marriage. Later, she married Reverend Lee Strickler, who also preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her son, Richard Wayne Smoot, great grandchild, Anthony Collins, and son-in-law, David Cooper.

Helen leaves behind a large and loving family who were the center of her world. She is survived by her two brothers: David McDonald (Middletown, MD) and John McDonald (Wilda) of Harpers Ferry; seven children: Cynthia "Cindy" Cross (Gary) of Martinsburg; Carol Cooper of Martinsburg; John "Johnny" Smoot Jr. (Sue) of Charles Town; Robin Coon (Travis) of Martinsburg; Kathy Smoot of Kearneysville; Wesley "Marty" Smoot (Teri) of Shepherdstown; and William "Billy" Smoot of Harpers Ferry.

She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren—each of whom brought her immense pride and joy, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen will be remembered for her generous heart, kind spirit, and unwavering faith. She was a devoted homemaker who found purpose and fulfillment in caring for her home and her family. Her door was always open, her prayers constant, and her love unconditional.

A celebration of Helen's life will be held at Mission Tabernacle Holiness Church, Mission Road, Harpers Ferry, WV, on Friday, June 20 at 11am, with Pastor Samuel Snow officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Lutheran Cemetery, Bolivar, WV.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 19, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Eackles-Spencer and Norton Funeral Home, 256 Halltown Road, Harpers Ferry, WV. Pallbearers will be J.D. Penwell, Brad Cooper, Thomas Smoot, Will Smoot, Jack Smoot, Jacob Smoot, and John Michael Smoot.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Helen's memory to Mission Tabernacle Holiness Church. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported Helen with love and care throughout her life and in her final days. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.