Merle Helms

Merle Lorraine Austin Helms, 72, of Marshville, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at McWhorter Hospice House in Monroe.

Lorraine was born April 28, 1947 in Monroe to the late Homer David Austin and Jewell Delphia-Jane Austin. She was also preceded in death by brothers, A.D. and Teddy Austin; and sister, Joy Austin.

Mrs. Helms will lie in state at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle on Friday, April 10, 2020 from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. The family will then receive friends from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Marshville, officiated by Rev. John Miller and Rev. Leon Whitley. She will lie in state for 30 minutes prior to the service. She will be laid to rest in the church cemetery.

The funeral service my be viewed or downloaded by clicking here.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, Paul Helms of the home; son, Alex (Deanna) Helms of Pageland; daughter, Paula (Cristin Brandt) Helms of Mint Hill; grandchildren, Mason, Grant, and Raegan Helms; brothers, Boyce, Royce, Tim Austin; and sisters, Patricia Mullis, and Angel Tarleton.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 4600 Park Rd., Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Helms family.