New York- Helen Odel Cheeks, 85, of 72 Macon Street, Brooklyn, New York departed this life May 18, 2010. Born February 21, 1925 in Baltimore, Maryland, she was employed as presser until her retirement.

She was predeceased by her husband, William "Bill "Cheeks, parents, Joseph and Rosa Mullen, and her sister, Marion Grant. Survivors include, two sisters, Claudine Bishop (Joseph) of Chesapeake and Mary Mullen of Brooklyn, New York, one niece, Marion Grant of North Carolina; two great nieces, Aisha Davis of New York, and Brittney Beagle of South Carolina, and one great-great niece; a best friend, Edward "Eddie" Henderson, of Brooklyn, New York, and a host of cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held 1 pm Tuesday in the chapel of Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be held 4 pm – 7pm at the funeral home.