Obituary of Jo Helms

Jo Ann Rogers Helms Mrs. Helms, 107, of Charlotte passed away Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at Asbury Care at Aldersgate United Methodist Retirement Center. Jo Ann was born in Union County, N.C. on June 22, 1903 and grew up living on the family farm. She was the youngest of nine children born to Magistrate Russell Washington Alexander Rogers and Ella Harriett Rattliffe Rogers and was educated in the Union County schools and the Baldwin School in Charlotte, NC. In 1925 Jo Ann married Amon Wesley Helms. They were married 64 years before his death in 1989. Two daughters were born to them: Bette Jo Helms Martin, and Rebecca Ann "Beckie" Helms and there are two grandchildren: Caroline Elizabeth Martin Glenn (Mrs. James Alan), and Gerald Donald Martin, Jr., as well as one great grandchild and three great-great grandchildren. Mrs. Helms lived most of her adult life in Charlotte. She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church, the Women's Sunday School Class and the Lydia and Rhoda Circles over a seventy-one year period. She enjoyed homemaking, gardening, and being with family and friends. Mrs. Helms always took time to help where and when needed. Her home was on Heather Lane for forty years before she retired to Asbury Care at Aldersgate, where she enjoyed painting ceramics and crocheting afghans, as hobbies. At age 107 she was the most senior member of her church and at Asbury Care. Survivors include her daughters, grandchildren, nieces and a nephew. Her gentle attitude and loving kindness will be remembered and cherished by all. In addition to her parents and husband, she was pre-deceased by six brothers (Russell, Jr., Thomas, James, John, Ellison, and Franklin Rogers) and two sisters (Mamie Rogers Funderburk and Rose Rogers Richardson). The family wishes to thank, Dr. John Lacouture, the nurses, CNAs and other staff and care givers at Asbury Care for the loving kindness and care shown Jo Ann during her twelve years there. Funeral service for Mrs. Helms will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 18, 2010 in the Dilworth Chapel of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Sharon Memorial Park Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 501 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202 or Asbury Care 3800 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte NC 28215