Helen A. Pace

Born in Pickens, she was the daughter of the late Marion Abercrombie and Beulah Winchester Abercrombie.

She was married to the late Lt. James C. Pace, who died in May of this year. They had been married 79 years. She is survived by their five children: Eddie Pace (Nancy) of TN, Debbie McDonald (Bob) of Pickens, Dona Anderson (Terry) of Pickens, Denise McKinney (Lance) of Seneca, and Dianne Carter (Freddie) of Liberty. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Helen followed her husband all over the Eastern United States during his 30 years in the Navy. The first thing she would do when settled in the new home, was to find a church for her family to attend. She was primarily a homemaker, but did drive a public school bus for a period of time while stationed in Charleston, SC. When her husband retired, she was Child Care Director for many years at East Pickens Baptist Church.

One of her many joys was driving the church bus every Saturday visiting and encouraging children and their parents to come to church on Sunday. She would then drive again Sunday morning to all the places she visited and pick up children and bring them to church. She taught the 2 year old class at East Pickens Baptist for decades. That was her love – her Jesus and all the children she came in contact with. She was one of a kind and there are many, many people who have come to know her Lord by her witness and testimony.

Visitation will be held at East Pickens Baptist Church, 2244 Gentry Memorial Hwy. Pickens, SC, on October 12, 2026 from 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm, with the funeral service to begin at 3:00 pm. A private committal service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to East Pickens Baptist Church, Operation Christmas Child Fund.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.