Vergie Burnette

Vergie Ilene Tucker Helms Burnette, 94, of Concord, a devoted servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 17, 2021.

Vergie was born August 23, 1926 in a one room house in Locust, the oldest child of the late John Fred Tucker and the late Lily Victoria Hinson Tucker.  She was also preceded in death by two sons, Larry E. Helms and John “Ricky” Helms; and two sisters, Flo Overcash and Doris Correll.

Vergie was an exceptional student and graduated from Hartsell High School in 1942.  She married Clifford Helms at the beginning of the war.  Vergie enjoyed working as a secretary for many years and she also owned several businesses, including service stations, in the Concord area.  In 1983, Vergie enjoyed retirement after moving to the beach in Florida.  She was a “mom” to many brave military service members at Mayport Naval Station, always welcoming them into her home with a home cooked meal.  Vergie would tell stories of working and growing up on the farm.  She was an avid reader, enjoyed horror movies and books, working puzzles, and Sudoku.  Vergie loved dancing and teaching others to dance.  She is remembered by many for her willingness to set aside her own needs to help others and for never losing faith.  Without a doubt, Vergie was the apple of her daddy’s eye.  Most of all, she loved being with her family and her kitty cats, Sapphire and Jewel.

Vergie is survived by her best friend and daughter, Patricia Helms Lankford of Concord, who lovingly cared for her during her most challenging years; grandchildren, Michelle (Jamie) Whitesides of Gold Hill, April (Scott) Stancil of Concord, Melody Helms of Garden City, SC, Amanda Lankford of Seattle, WA, Michelle Helms of Concord, Chicora Helms of Austin, TX, and Scott Stallings of Columbia, SC; great-grandchildren, Brandon (Bree) Cochrane of Gold Hill, Christian Cochrane of Gold Hill, Andrew (Kaitlyn) Stancil of Concord, Matthew (Madison) Stancil of Concord, Kayla Johnson of Peru, IN; great-great-grandmother of Ellie Rose Stancil of Concord; sisters, Carolyn Baker and Kaylene Jenkins of Concord; aunt, Virginia Barbee Ward of Red Cross; daughter-in-law, Claribeth Helms of Concord; and those she considered family, Jimmy, Cara and AB.

The graveside service in celebration of Vergie’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 25, 2021 at Meadow Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, 1493 Meadow Creek Church Road, Locust, officiated by Chaplain Linwood Buford, Jr.

The family appreciates the kindness of Hospice of Rowan County, especially of Kelly and the many other nurses who provided loving care.

Memorial donations may be made to Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House, 1229 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury, NC 28144 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago IL 60601.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Burnette family.