Ms. Helen Joann Degraffenried

Ms. Helen Joann Degraffenried was born in Orange County on May 7, 1960 to the late Myrtle Lee Degraffenried and the late Manda Ray Farrar. She began her eternal journey to heaven on August 18, 2021. 

Helen was educated in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and graduated from Chapel Hill Senior High with the class of 1979. She was employed with Environmental Services at Holiday Inn for over 25 years, where she received multiple "Employee of the Month" Awards for her hard work and dedication. Helen's passion was being a phenomenal mom and bonding with all of her family. She enjoyed watching the news, reading books, listening to music, and dancing. Helen was a very loving person who always saw the best in people. She had a special gift through talking that gave her the ability to turn anybody's stormy day into sunshine.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Betty Degraffenried.

She leaves to treasure her memory, a daughter: Krishonda Degraffenried; her soulmate of 33 years: Joseph Speller; six sisters: Rosa Degraffenried, Ivy Degraffenried, Gloria Degraffenried, Julie Degraffenried, Charlene Degraffenried, and Theresa Meriman; one brother: Frank Degraffenried; one maternal aunt: Ellen (Joe) Horton; one paternal uncle: Curtis (Carol) Farrar; two god sisters: Sharon Bennett and Sharon Cates; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ms. Helen Joann Degraffenried, please visit our floral store.