Gladys Helms

Gladys Thomas Helms, 89, of Albemarle, passed away Monday, January 21, 2019 at Stanly Manor in Albemarle.

Mrs. Helms was born May 20, 1929 in Union County to the late William Sandy Thomas and the late Edna Faye Little Thomas. She was also preceded in death by husband, James Lee Helms; and brother, McClain Thomas.

Beginning in the emerging hosiery industry, she later taught herself to type, and with her natural organizational skills became a secretary working for many years at Seven Oaks in Oakboro. Gladys was a war bride, marrying Private James L. Helms on November 4, 1944, thus beginning a marriage of commitment and love that lasted 66 years.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM, Thursday, January 24, 2019, at First Baptist Oakboro, 322 N. Main Street, Oakboro. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM in the church sanctuary of First Baptist Church Oakboro, 322 N. Main Street, Oakboro, officiated by Rev. Jonathan Waits and Dr. Terrell Watts. Burial will follow at the Oakboro Cemetery at 1397 N. Main Street, Oakboro.

Survivors include daughter, Dianne Hudson (James) of Albemarle; grandson, Kelly Hudson (Angie) of Albemarle; granddaughter, Johanna Hudson of Ocean Isle Beach; great granddaughters, Baylee Baldwin (Jesse), Rachel and Angel Hudson; and great great grandson, Xander Baldwin.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Oakboro, P.O. Box 10, Oakboro, NC 28129.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Helms family.