Helen Virginia Cumbee (Bischoff)

Helen Bischoff Cumbee, 92, widow of Clarence E. Cumbee, Sr. passed away peacefully at home November 24, 2014. She was born on May 25, 1922, in Charleston, SC, the daughter of the late Hermine Shokes Bischoff and James F. Bischoff. She grew up in Charleston and attended James Simmons School and Palmer Business College. Helen is survived by a son, Clarence “Gene” Cumbee (Susann) of James Island; three grandchildren, April Brooks (John) of Beaufort, SC, Tammy Reed (Robert) of Sumter, SC, James “Jay” Cumbee, Sr. of James Island; five great-grandchildren, Mandy Brooks, Kyle Brooks, Sloan Reed, R.J. Reed and James “Jay” Cumbee, Jr.; two nephews, Ken Ohlinger (Martha) of James Island and Joseph Bischoff (Judith) of Ravenel; one niece, Sharon O. Wilkins of Mt. Pleasant and several great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy B. Ohlinger and two brothers, Joseph F. Bischoff and William W. Bischoff. Helen began her career in banking in the late 1940s with South Carolina National Bank. She then continued her career with First Union Bank and then Wachovia until her retirement. She then began another career with Roper Hospital where she was a well-known face on the information desk until her retirement after 20+ years of service. She enjoyed and was exceptionally gifted in cross stitch and shared her works with many people over the years. She also enjoyed researching genealogy and preparing family trees. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 28, 2014 from 5 to 7 at McAlister-Smith, James Island Chapel, 347 Folly Rd., Charleston, SC 29412. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 29 at 1:00pm at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Ft. Johnson Rd., James Island, SC. Condolences may be viewed or submitted at www.mcalister-smith.com Arrangements have been entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, JAMES ISLAND CHAPEL, 347 Folly Rd., Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.