Mary Grace Helderman

Mary Grace “Gracie” Burris Helderman died at the age of 82 on July 6, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina, after an extended battle with recurrent breast cancer. Gracie was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on February 15, 1943, to Clarence Levi Burris (1911-1981) and Willie Roberta Sartin Burris (1911-1971).

She grew up in Tennessee, attending Harrison Chilhowoee Baptist Academy High School and Carson Newman College. It was in college that she met the love of her life, Jerry, and they were married on October 18, 1963. Following their marriage, the couple relocated to San Francisco, CA, so that Jerry could study at Golden Gate Seminary. In California, Gracie began her lifelong career in banking.

Following his graduation from seminary, they served a total of ten congregations in Tennessee, California, North and South Carolina. Gracie was incredibly patient and gentle with all those she encountered. She had a particular passion for working with children, and she ministered to preschoolers in every church that she and Jerry served. Later in life, her ministry was working at the North Carolina State Employees Credit Union as she was able to assist the elderly with their financial service needs.

She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC, and a faithful member of the Wisdom Seekers Sunday School class.

The family extends thanks to her care team at the Rex Cancer Center and the nursing staff of Transitions Life Care.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Clarence Gerald “Jerry” Helderman, her brother Ronnie Burris, sister Judy Burris D’Orto, her children Lysbeth and her husband Jim, Ron, and Dina. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Trey and his wife Gabrielle, Nathan, Sarah, Greyson, Benjamin, and Luke. They honored her life and legacy by spending final moments with their Nana both receiving love from her and loving on her in return.

Funeral services for Mrs. Helderman will be held at Trinity Baptist Church (4815 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC) on Friday, July 18, at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Transitions Life Care, the Raleigh Baptist Association, and Trinity Baptist Church.