Shirley Benton Helms

Shirley Benton Helms, 81, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. She was born in Union County, NC on May 17, 1943, daughter to the late Everette Benton and Earlie Stegall Benton. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Marion “Kemp” Helms; and three sisters, Rachel Crooke, Hazel Crump, and Helen Williams.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Philadelphia Baptist Church, 5709 Philadelphia Church Rd. Marshville, NC 28104, with burial to follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, NC 28112.

Shirley graduated from Forest Hills High School. She worked for many years at Rose’s department store in Cotswold, Charlotte. After her daughter Lisa was born, she became a full-time mother and homemaker. A few years later, Shirley returned to work part-time as a school bus driver, then as a bookkeeper at the Union County Livestock Auction, and later in the accounting department at Perfect Fit Industries, where she worked for 25 years. Shirley took great pride in her work, always putting her heart and soul into every task, and her strong work ethic was remarkable.

Her devotion to family, however, was even greater. She and Kemp shared 46 years of marriage, and in his final years, she cared for him with deep love and commitment as he battled cancer. Shirley was a loving mother and grandmother, always putting her family first. She also shared a close bond with her siblings, and her connection with them brought her much joy and strength throughout her life. She loved her family with all her heart.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Lisa Meier (Scott); brother, Eddie Benton; two sisters, Linda Webb (Garry), Elaine Brooks (Terry); and one grandchild, Jeb Meier.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

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