Barbara Larsen

Barbara Setzler Helms Larsen, age 91, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023, surrounded by many of her loved ones. She was born in Cowpens, SC and moved to Albemarle, NC at a young age, where she spent the majority of her youth. Barbara was a graduate of UNC Greensboro and taught business courses, first at Albemarle High School, then at McDowell High School in Marion, NC for many years. She also taught for many years and retired from Orangeburg Calhoun Tech. She earned her master’s degree in education from SC State College. She later moved to Orangeburg, SC and then to West Columbia, SC after returning to Orangeburg from DePere, Wisconsin. Her last years were spent at the home of her daughter, Elizabeth, and her son-in-law, Joe.

Barbara loved her church families in Albemarle and Marion, and at St. Andrews Methodist Church in Orangeburg, SC, Mt. Hebron Methodist Church in West Columbia, SC, and Lee Road Methodist Church located in Taylors, SC. She was very active with her circle group, Minnie Shull, while at Mt. Hebron Methodist Church and recently, many of her friends from her church circle came to visit her in Taylors, SC.

She was a doting grandmother and loved God and her children with all her heart. Barbara spent many hours volunteering at Lexington Medical Center. She loved playing Bridge with friends at Hulon Green in West Columbia, SC.

Barbara is preceded in death by her first husband, John R. Helms Sr., the father of both of her children; her second husband, Warren E. Larsen, and her sister, Martha Setzler.

She is survived by one brother, Dr. Ralph Setzler Jr (Peggy); one son, John R. Helms Jr. (Yun); one daughter, Elizabeth Lowrey (Joe); four grandchildren, Austin Lowrey (Sarah), Tyler Lowrey, J.T. Helms, and Joanna Helms (Alex Marsden). She also has two nieces, Ashley and Meredith, and a number of cousins.

Barbara will be remembered for her quick wit, southern charm, and friendly personality. She loved spending time with her family, listening to stories, and the Upper Room devotionals. When she was able, she loved attending church, and when unable, she loved seeing church services online or on television. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Crescent Hospice and her loving caregivers, Karen and Judy.

A memorial service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home-Lexington Chapel located at 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072 at 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 5, 2023 with a visitation one hour prior. The service will be officiated by Pastor Rusty Godfrey. A graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery located at 2720 Broughton Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115 at 10:00 AM on Sunday, August 6, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lee Road United Methodist Church, 1377 East Lee Road, Taylors, SC 29687, https://www.leeroadumc.com/, Crescent Hospice, 105 Lovett Drive, Greenville, SC 29607, https://www.hospicesc.com/, or to the worthy charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Larsen family.