Helen Vassar Gravely

Helen Vassar Gravely, 79, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025.

Born on September 28, 1946, in Lynchburg, Virginia, Helen was the daughter of the late Hilton Presley Vassar Sr and Minnie Daniel Vassar. Throughout her life, Helen was known for her sense of humor, loyalty, and quiet strength that will leave a lasting impact on her family and close friends.

Helen lived a life of many chapters. She dedicated many years to her work as a stylist and the owner of Head First Hair Salon, where she built a business rooted in creativity, care, and professionalism. She later served as a flight attendant with United Airlines and was respected not only for her commitment to service but also for her role as a union representative advocating for her colleagues. In her later years, she continued to show warmth and experience as a receptionist at About Face Hair Salon.

While she devoted herself to her work, she placed equal importance on her personal life. She found happiness in watching cooking shows and recreating recipes, long conversations on the phone with her best friends, and hosting others by her pool in the summer.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Julie O’dell Gravely; her granddaughters, Alexis Gravely, Lauren Wright; her sister, Sandra Vassar; nephews, Phil Vassar Jr., James Vassar Jr., Douglas Johns Jr., Bo Gravely; nieces, Terri Howell, Traci Toney, Tammy Hicks, Meredith Gravely, Allison Gravely, and Dawn Whitham; sister in laws, Diane Vassar, JoRuth Vassar, and Carey Gravely and beloved family members Taylor Fisher (Lauren’s fiancé) and David Dudley.

She was preceded in death by her son Terrell Lee Gravely Jr., her former spouse of 35 years and father of her children Terrell (Terry) L. Gravely Sr., as well as three brothers, Phillip G. Vassar Sr., James (Jimmy) E. Vassar Sr., Hilton (Joney) P. Vassar Jr. and brother-in-law James (Jimbo) Gravely.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date and will be announced in the near future. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in Helen Gravely’s memory.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.