Mildred Helen Mays James

She was born May 17, 1918 in Caswell Co., NC to Teda McDowell and Walter W. Mays. She was the fourth of six children. Her family soon moved to Ringgold, VA where she lived until she graduated as salutatorian of her class and then from Averette College. Her first employment was for Dan River Mills where she met Ralph whom she married on July 8, 1943. They moved to Newton in 1948 and found their church home at, what is now, First United Methodist Church, Newton, where her service will be held Wednesday, February, 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., the family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at church in the Gomedela Room.

Helen was employed by Knitmode Mills until its closing in 1970 and for Quality Mills until its closing. Not enjoying retirement as much as she thought, she spent her last 20 years of employment at Belk. She retired at 86 years old and often talked about going back to work.

She was a devoted Mother and Grandmother and a wonderful friend. Her spirit will live forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Boyce Ralph James; a daughter, Patricia James Hester, three brothers, Billy, Walter, and Herbert Mays, all of Danville, VA; two sisters, Maggie Foster of Danville, VA and Annie Wilkerson of Falls Church, VA.

She is survived by her daughter, Janet Byrd and husband, Jim as well as three grandsons, Brad Byrd , Mike Hester and wife Jodie and their children, Nolan and Morgan; and Chris Hester and wife, Maria and their children, Christian and Anna; She is also survived by a granddaughter, Leah Byrd Hayes and husband, Tim and their son, Cooper. A number of nieces and nephews also survived her.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 884, Newton, NC 28658, to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658, or St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101.