Sara Donald Culp Helms (Sara Don) entered her “heaven of rest” on March 6, 2026. Sara Don was born in York County, South Carolina on March 4, 1929. She was the youngest child born to Annie Cranford Culp and Lloyd Culp. Three brothers, Woodrow, Theo, Hazel and her sister, Emily preceded her in death.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Gordon Funeral Chapel, with burial to follow at Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112.

Soon after graduation from High School, Sara Don went to work at Perpetual Building and Loan/Fort Mill Depository. Perpetual later merged with a Rock Hill Savings and Loan firm that opened a branch in Fort Mill, S. C. This branch became known as the Bank of Fort Mill.

Sara Don served as a Teller and Bookkeeper. In 1983, The Bank of Fort Mill was purchased by C&S Bank which became Nations Bank in 1991. In 1992, Sara Don said, “I am tired of all the changes and having to learn something new. I am going to retire!” After 46 years of service, she was ready to enjoy life at a slower pace. She received many recognitions for her dedicated and faithful service during her years at the Bank, but more important to her were the dear friendships she made along the journey.

Sara Don Culp married the love of her life, James Steele Helms, on February 5, 1949. She became a member of Hermon Baptist Church and joined him in serving in various areas of church life. With a servant heart, she participated in many ministries behind the scenes. After her mother and father-in-law could no longer prepare the elements for church Communion services, she began preparing the home-made unleavened bread for each observance. Upon the death of James Steele in 2013, she passed this opportunity of service to a younger “Sara Don”, sharing the recipe for the bread. Until 2023, she had faithfully served as Assistant Treasurer for many years. Sara Don had a deep love for her Lord Jesus Christ and wanted others to know about His love for them.

While God did not bless Sara Don with children of her own, she considered her Church Family, nieces, nephews and close friends as her “children” and appreciated the love shown to her by them. Many wonderful memories, times of laughter, and generous gifts are left behind for the “children”, neighbors, and dear loved ones to cherish and remember her! She was a godly example for anyone who knew her!!

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to Hermon Baptist Church, 9713 Lancaster Hwy, Waxhaw, NC 28173 or The Gideons International, Post Office Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory is honored to be entrusted to care for the Helms Family.