Franklin – Glenda P. Whitley Helms Sterling, 83, passed away August 24, 2019 in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.  A native of Franklin, she was a daughter of the late Julian Piland Whitley, Sr. and Mamie Scott Whitley and was also predeceased by her first husband Durward Wilburn Helms and a brother Nelson Scott "Scottie" Whitley.  Glenda was a printing press operator for Franklin Equipment Company for 15 years and retired from Smith's Jewelers where she worked as a jeweler for over ten years.  She opened her own business Red Rooster Ceramics prior to working at Smith Jewelers.  Glenda was a Cub Scout den mother when her boys were young.  She was a past member of the Shag Club and enjoyed dancing, crafting, sewing, and gardening.  Glenda was a member of High Street United Methodist Church.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband Kenneth Alan Sterling; two sons Peter Whitley Helms (Monique) and Alan Keith Helms (Star); a sister Alice W. Jones (Tim); a brother Julian Piland Whitley, Jr. (Sandra); four grandchildren Amber Helms Ramirez (Hector), Courtney Leigh Helms, Makayla Danielle Helms, and Zachery Connor Helms; and six great grandchildren Juliana, Gabriel, Ximena, Victor and Samuel Ramirez and Jenesis Helms; a sister-in-law Cathy Whitley; many nieces and nephews; and her special dog Sugar Foot.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11AM, Wednesday, August 28, 2019 in Poplar Spring Cemetery with Rev. Drew Dunn officiating.  A celebration of her life with fun and fellowship will be held at 3 PM Wednesday in Fred's Restaurant.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Tuesday in Wright Funeral Home and suggests that memorial donations be made to the The American Cancer Society. www.wrightfuneralhome.org