Elder Joe C. Helms

September 15, 1928 – June 17, 2024

On June 17, 2024, Elder Joe C Helms received an honorable discharge in the good fight of faith, and was received, no doubt amidst much joy and gladness, into his everlasting rest, where he is meeting the resurrected Jesus Christ, who he has preached about for 68 years.

Elder Helms was preceded in death by his wife of 67-years, Lou Helms, his parents Thanny and Effie Helms, and his brothers, Brutus, Heath, and Theron Helms.  He is survived by his sons Mike Helms (Robin) and Charles Helms (Jill), and their children: Joseph Helms, Steven Helms (Michelle), Bethany Helms (fiancé-Josh Taylor), and Zachary Helms.  He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Winn.  He has two nieces: Eloise Helms Hicks, and Janice Winn Martin, as well as several grand and great nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held in his honor at Morgan and Son Funeral Home in Marshville, NC from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday night, June 21st . The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22nd at Lawyer Springs Primitive Baptist Church, 45 Upper White Store Road, Peachland, NC, and the committal will be at Pleasant Grove Church Cemetery in Marshville, NC.  After the funeral a meal will be served in Pleasant Grove's lunchroom and all who attend the services are invited to eat and visit with the family.

Elder Helms attended and graduated from NC State University with a degree in Agricultural Education.  In 1952, he married Lou Outen who was attending the Women's College in Greensboro, NC (now UNCG).  She was his true love and companion from that day forward until her death in March, 2020.  She helped him in so many ways in his Ministry.

Elder Helms was a veteran.  He served during the Korean war.    He was a Corporal and was a small arms instructor in the Quarter Master unit at Fort Lee, Virginia.  He was also in the color guard.   He joined Lawyer Springs Primitive Baptist Church in August of 1953.

He was teaching agriculture at Burnsville School in Anson County when he felt the call to the ministry. He was ordained into the full work of the gospel ministry June 4th, 1955.   He was receiving many requests to preach funerals and make hospital visits and he felt he could not preach and continue teaching.  Consequently, he took the postal exam and became a rural mail carrier.  This profession allowed him to preach, while only accepting love offerings from his congregations.  Elder Helms did not believe in burdening his congregations by drawing a salary from them.

During his ministry he pastored New Hope Primitive Baptist Church in Columbia, SC; Pleasant Grove Primitive Baptist Church in Marshville, NC; Lawyer Springs Primitive Baptist Church in Peachland, NC; Mountain Creek Primitive Baptist Church in New London, NC; and Rehobeth Primitive Baptist Church in Johnson County, NC.  He preached in many states in the United States, including both California and Oregon.  He and Lou entertained hundreds of God's people overnight in their home over the years, including one sitting governor and his entourage, and one person who became a governor.  His ministry included many baptisms, marriages, and funerals.  He often arose late at night or in the early hours of the morning to stand at the bedside of one sick or dying and to comfort their loved ones.  He counselled and consoled many using the Holy Scriptures as his instruction manual.

Elder Helms believed that the King James Translation of the Bible was the most correct translation into the English language, and he used that as his authority as he preached God's word.  He believed that he was a sinner saved only by the shed blood and the finished work of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He believed in a literal interpretation of the Bible, and he strove to live by its instruction and teach from its pages.

Elder Helms was also very active in the community helping found the Peachland Volunteer Fire Department, while serving as its president, founding the Peachland Community swimming pool, and helping his wife, Lou and the Peachland Women's Club, with fund raisers to build the Peachland Community Building.

In his death, Elder Helms showed the faith of which he preached about throughout his life.  When told of his pancreatic cancer, and his impending death, he pointed towards Heaven and said, "Happy times. It's what I have been waiting for."

He will be sorely missed by his family and others.  His departure from earth is sad for those that love him, but his arrival in Heaven is eternal gladness!

Memorials can be made to Lawyers Springs Primitive Baptist Church, 45 Upper White Store Road, Peachland, NC, 28133; or Pleasant Grove Primitive Baptist Church, 6302 E. Lawyers Road, Marshville, NC, 28103

The family is being served by Morgan and Son Funeral Home in Marshville, NC.