Martha Jean (Helms) Myers

Jean Helms Myers, 88, died April 10, 2015 at the Jesse Helms Center, where she had resided since suffering a stroke Christmas Eve. Although the stroke had robbed her of her speech, she retained her ability to sing and could be heard singing her favorite hymns to the very end. Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM, Monday, April 13, 2015 in Wingate Baptist Church 109 E. Elm St., Wingate, NC 28174, with entombment to following in Lakeland Memorial Park. Jean was one of five children born to Talmadge and Mary Helms of Wingate, NC. Jean is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Harry Myers, her three sons Henry, Jerry, and Ben, six grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and her sister Kate Kelly of Lake Norman. In addition to raising her three boys, Jean was an accomplished administrator and always kept the books for Harry's businesses. When asked for details about his business, Harry would refer people to the bookkeeper, Jean. She was also an avid gardener who raised most of the vegetables her family ate and surrounded her home with beautiful flowers, many of which were grown from cuttings from her ancestors' gardens. When Harry sold his dairy business in 1987, Jean found a way to use her free time to serve others. For the next two decades, Jean volunteered in the gift shop at Monroe Hospital. She hand-tied thousands of bows for the balloons, flowers, and gifts in the shop. Jean's warm smile, kind words, and gentle way brought comfort to countless patients and their families. Jean prided herself on keeping physically fit. She dearly loved to swim. For the past twenty years, she could be found at 5am at the aquatic center, swimming laps and inspiring others who were decades younger. As her mobility decreased, Harry would roll her into the gym in her wheelchair, and the lifeguards would help her into and out of the pool. Jean was determined to swim her laps! Jean's faith in God was obvious to all who knew her. She and Harry have been lifelong members of Wingate Baptist church and she was a faithful member of her Sunday School class. Jean kept her bible close to her favorite chair and read it daily. She could often be heard singing hymns while fixing breakfast. Even in her final days, it was clear that Jean was at peace and ready to join the heavenly choir. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Sunday, April 12, 2015 at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, NC 28112. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.