Frances Elizabeth Helms
August 9, 1923 ~ October 23, 2010
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Frances Elizabeth Helms, 87, of Heather Way Candler, passed away on Saturday, October 23, 2010.
A native of Newport News, VA, Ms. Helms was a daughter of the late William E. and Kathleen Beard Helms. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Audrey L. Helms Asheville, and Toby H. Watson and her husband Frank, of Greenville, SC.
She was a member of Grace Baptist Church since 1952, where she was a former Sunday School teacher in the primary and adult department for many years.
Ms. Helms also served as a woman's missionary member and bible teacher for many years.
For 38 years, Frances E. Helms was employed by Southern Bell in the Asheville office. She was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.
Survivors include her cousin, Carroll Thomas and wife Martha, of Charlotte; niece, Susanne E Lanning and husband Jim; nephew, Frank E. Watson and wife Meg; 3 great-nephews, 3 great-nieces; 3 great-great-nieces, all of Greenville, SC.
A funeral service for Ms. Helms will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Grace Baptist Church, 718 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806 with the Revs. Steve Ackerman and Andy Tuttle officiating. A private interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Her family will receive friends 45 minutes prior to the service at the church.
Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 718 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.
The family would like to extend special appreciation to Irene Logan and Sandy Thompson for the wonderful care they provided for Frances.
I met Frances over a year ago working as one of her caregivers. I was going though nursing school during this time. I believe God had a hand in allowing me to be with Frances at this time. She always wanted to know how my week at school was and on what specific day I had a test. She said she would pray for me on those days and I know she did. She was so excited when I had my grandaughter and she comforted me when my Grandmother died. I loved Frances and she loved me. Frances loved God and her church. She would get so excited when the ‘Girls of Grace’ were going to sing. She looked forward to Ruby’s call every day. She loved Irene, who took extraordinary care of her, and she thought there was nothing like Max. He was always the hilight of her day. When I talked to Frances last Thursday, she asked about my grandaughter and if I had a job yet. She told me she loved me and to come see her. I did not get to see her before she died, but I know that I will see her again in heaven. Sheila Allen
I had the pleasure to work with Frances at Southern Bell, she was
a good person.
Knowing Frances has been one of the highlights of my life. She was a wonderful person. I worked with her a long time ago at Southern Bell and I am also a member of Grace Baptist Church. My sympathy to all of you. I won’t be available to attend her services today as we have an out-of-town appointment but wanted to share with you what a great person Frances was and what knowing her has meant to so many people. We will all miss her.
To the family of our Frances,
No it is not possible to leave even
in death. The terms change but the relationship goes on. In some ways better because there are no expectation anymore on either family member. So when you lose the expectation you’re free to just know that your love one is in no more pain and will always look the same in your heart and your feelings stay the same.
Our family has known Francis for 40 years. We moved on her street when I was only 10 years old so I remember Mr. and Mrs.Helms as well. Francis was a wonderful daughter and neighbor. We missed her greatly when she and Audrey moved but still kept in contact. We will always remember her kind and genteel ways.
Our Condolences,
The Gooches
Eddie, Ebbie, Glenda, Amanda, and Chris
I knew Frances and Audrey when they lived on Fairfax Avenue. My father, Carroll, knew them growing up. I always liked them both. They were sweet people.
I will always think of them as ‘The Helms Sisters.’
I was sorry when Frances told me that they were moving to Enka. We lost a good neighbor when they moved.
I got to see them in the new home on Heather Way one time a few years ago, and when Audrey passed away, I called Frances and we had a good long talk.
They were both wonderful people.