Mrs. Ethel B. Helton

Ethel Ballard Helton, 100 years old, went home to be with the Lord on January 25, 2016. Ethel was born December 20, 1915, in Spencer Mtn, NC, to James McDowell and Etta Hawkins Ballard. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Jackson Helton Sr.

First and foremost Ethel loved the Lord and did not miss an opportunity to share with others. She was a lifelong member of Faith Baptist Church in Iron Station, NC where she served in many capacities as Sunday school teacher, WMU director, VBS leader and choir member.

Ethel is survived by five children: Charles “Mackie” (Sybil) of Stanley, Robert Jr of Stanley, John David (Diane) of Mt Holly, Billy Joe (Carolyn) of Stanley, and Etta Shanholtz (Bob) of Belmont; ten grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 3 great great-grandsons. She is also survived by brother, Luther Ballard of Clover, SC.

Ethel was preceded in death by brothers, Milas, James, Bartley; sisters, Allie McGee and Vergie Helton; and daughter-in-law Kaye Helton.

Services will be held at 3:00pm Thursday, January 28, 2016 at Faith Baptist Church, 5194 Old Plank Rd, Iron Station, NC 28080; Ethel will lie in state from 2:00until 3:00pm. Visitation will take place from 6:30 to 8:30pm Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at Carothers Funeral Home Stanley, 412 South Main St, Stanley, NC 28164.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, PO Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27360, or Hospice and Palliative Care of Lincoln County, 900 Donita Drive, Lincolnton, NC 28092 (704-732-6146), or Faith Baptist Church, 5194 Old Plank Rd, Iron Station, NC 28080.

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