Helen Long Spruill

December 5, 1935 - September 16, 2016

12/05/1935 - 09/16/2016

Helen Grey Long Spruill, a native of Bedford County, Va., passed away September 16, 2016. She was the daughter of Wilton Baxter Long and Katherine Welch Parks Long. A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Administrators, she was the founder and Administrator of Wilton, Ltd., an assisted living facility for twenty two years and was an advocate for improving the quality of life for the cognitively impaired and intellectually challenged. She served on Virginia Governor George Allen’s Virginia Department of Aging committee, among other professional organizations.
At her death, she was the president of the Norfolk County Historical Society of Chesapeake and Elizabeth River Properties, a non-profit organization providing housing for the intellectually challenged. She also served on the advisory board for the Battle of Great Bridge Waterways History Foundation. Other civic duties included six years with the Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority, serving on the Board of Commissioners. She also served as president of Elizabeth River Women’s Club.
Mrs. Spruill is survived by her sister, Mrs. J.P. Woolfolk, son Melvin Lee Spruill, daughter, Dawn Raye Sherrill (Bryant Sherrill). Three grandchildren, Katherine Grace Spruill (James R Hall), Christopher Grey Spruill (Craig Hughes), and Bryant Stuart Sherrill (Stacey Sherrill), great grandson, Jordon Russell Hall as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brother Carol Parks Long and nephew Michael Baxter Long.
At Mrs. Spruill’s request, her remains will be donated to the Virginia Anatomical Society. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Norfolk County Historical Society of Chesapeake, 298 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, Va. 23322-5598. There will be a memorial gathering to be announced at a later date. Condolences can be made at www.altmeyerafh.com

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Pat Vredenburg
7 years ago

My heartfelt condolences to Melvin and Dawn and their families. It was a privilege to work closely with Helen at the NCHSC. She was a great leader and such an inspiration. I will miss her sage advice, her sense of humor, her fierce devotion to causes that were dear to her, and her drive and determination to accomplish her goals. She was my mentor and my dear friend.

Alma Lawrence
7 years ago

MY condolences to the family, I was an employee of Mrs Helen Spruill that was my first job in nursing She was a good women she taught me alot of things about caring for the elderly I thank You for that. Condolences to the family from alma lawrence and marion griffin

Jeffrey Shelton
7 years ago

During the late ’90s and early ’00s my agency operated a satellite location in public housing. Before and during this period Mrs. Spruill was our unfailing supporter on the board of the Chesapeake Housing Authority. I appreciate her ardent concern for the well being of the residents.

Tim & Kay Fearington
7 years ago

So sorry for your loss. Helen lived a long, productive and useful life. Her memory will live on in all the good she did and in family left to treasure her memory. God bless & comfort you all.

T.C.
7 years ago

I am sorry for your loss. May you each find comfort in your fond memories, and in knowing God “is close to the brokenhearted”. (Psalm 34:18)

Vera Jernigan
7 years ago

Extending my most heartfelt condolences. I am the goddaughter of Mrs. Ida Fuller Taylor, a longtime employee of Mrs. Spruill’s. My mother (the late Mrs. Ruth Jernigan) & Ida were best friends & I used to hear my mother talk about Mrs. Spruill quite a bit, especially the kindnesses extended to Ida during her last days.