Frances H Turner

With great love and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Frances Helms Turner, who peacefully entered the arms of her Lord on January 12, 2025, at the age of 101. Frances, known for her unwavering faith, love of family, and kindness, lived a life that was a testament to her Christian beliefs and her devotion to family, friends, and community.

Born on March 9, 1923, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Frances was one of ten children. She was raised in a devout Christian home, where her mother instilled in her a deep love for God and the importance of living a faithful life. Her family and faith were her guiding stars.

At the age of 18, Frances married her beloved husband William Herron Turner (Jimmy), with whom she shared 10 brief wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 1951. Her work life included years at Ivey’s Department Store and The Mart Food Services. Once her granddaughter was born, she devoted her time to raising her. These years of developing such a close relationship with Kim were some of her happiest and most meaningful.

Frances enjoyed spending time with family; shopping, lunching, and visiting. She would often go to the Value Village to find crystal bowls or plates which she purchased to generously gift to those she loved. If you knew her well, you likely have one of her found crystal treasures. Her monthly lunch outings with her sisters and daughter would often culminate with a trip to the mall for window shopping at Belk or Bath and Body.

Following a health issue in 2018, Frances moved in with her daughter Diane, who served lovingly as her caregiver, with support from her granddaughter, Kim. During her time at home, Frances could be seen nearly daily in her front yard on the swing watching the birds at feeders and the neighbors passing by to wave. She loved being a part of the community.

Frances was an active member of Eastway Baptist Church, where she attended church and Sunday school regularly and enjoyed the travel trips with the “49er” Club.

Frances is predeceased by her beloved husband, Jimmy, her parents; Bishop Lee Helms and Roxie Viola Green Helms, her siblings; Paul Woodrow Helms, Margaret Louise Helms Bonfield, Bishop Lee Helms, Jr., Mary Catherine Helms Greene, Roy Rayford Helms (Buck), Martha Alice Helms Little (Mot), Betty Rachel Helms Hager, Nancy Jo Helms Wilson. She is survived by her daughter Frances Diane Turner, one granddaughter, Kimberly Diane Tart Byrum and one grandson, James Kevin Helms (Marla Sue Hale Helms) and two great-grandchildren Brittany Nicole Tart and Trevor Andrew Byrum (Lishi Yang Byrum). She has one surviving sister Sarah Elizabeth Helms. Other nieces and nephews are numerous and will miss the love she gave.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the many neighbors and community members who stopped by to greet Frances as she sat on the front yard swing, the church members who extended lunch and snack invitations and the staff at Sardis Oaks, who treated her with the love of family for the past few months.

A service of Celebration of Life for Frances will be held at Eastway Baptist Church on January 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM with a visitation to follow in the Sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Eastway Baptist Church in honor of Frances Turner would be appreciated by the family. Eastway Baptist Church, 2749 Eastway Drive, Charlotte, NC 28205.

While Frances’ earthly journey has ended, we take comfort in the knowledge that she is now in the presence of her Savior, where she is at peace and reunited with loved ones who have gone before her. Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)

McEwen Funeral Services at Sharon Memorial Park are serving the family.