Helen C. Barranger was born in Abingdon, VA in May of 1922. She was part of the Marion College class of 1941, and Roanoke College's class of 1967. She received an AB from Roanoke that same year. Helen was the editor of the alumni newspaper, The Marion Ideal, for ten years.
Helen was a freelance writer, ecological crusader, and originator of the Clean Valley Campaign, for which she served as a director and vice president for. She was also a volunteer reading tutor and active assistant in educational programs for the disadvantaged. Helen was the chairperson the local chapter of American Association of University Women, a member of the Board of Trustees of Roanoke College. She was an active participant in the fund raisers for Roanoke College and was also a church librarian for six years. Helen received the Roanoke College Medal on April 25, 1981 for her distinctive service and professional achievement. She was married in 1941 to Glynn Davies Barranger. They had two children together, Glenna Hayes and Margaret Reid.
Helen C. Barranger received the Roanoke College Medal in 1981.