Individual Details

Death

Rachel Ann Furr Helms, 79, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, and entered eternal rest with her Heavenly Father; after a 4.5 year battle with Triple Negative metastatic breast cancer. Rachel was born on May 7, 1944, in Concord, North Carolina; the youngest of six children born to the late Lum Croson Furr and the late Ruby Lee Helms Furr. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, J.C. "Buster" Furr, and Bobby Furr; brother-in-law, Alfred "Al" McDonald; sisters-in-law, Francis Furr and Lora Faye Furr; niece, Nova Furr; and former husband, and father to their children, and best friend, Ronda Helms. Rachel was a Christian first and a loving, devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. Rachel was employed by BellSouth for 38 years, retiring in 2002. She cultivated many friendships during her career, and maintained close to many throughout her lifetime. Her classmates of Bethel High School Class of 1962 were dear to her heart and they remained close friends for over 60 years. Rachel was an active member of Hopewell Baptist Church, including Mary's Class and WMU. She also assisted Dolls on Mission by making cards, certificates, and numerous administrative clerical work for the ministry that shares the love of Jesus through the making and distribution of dolls to children around the world. Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Rebecca (Mike) Russell; son, Rodney (Janet) Helms; grandchildren, Ashley (Jamie) Hatley, Ariana- Michael Russell, Autumn Russell, Haley Whittemore, Brittany (Patrick) Clark; great-grandchildren, Jaxson Hatley, Maiden Clark; sisters, Avie (Lewis) Helms, Geneva (Don) Garmon, Lucille McDonald; and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Monday, April 22, 2024, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland. The funeral service to celebrate Rachel's life will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Hopewell Legacy Campus, 420 Hopewell Church Rd., Monroe, officiated by Rev. Bob Wilson. She will lie-in-state one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church Building Fund, 420 Hopewell Church Rd., Monroe NC 28110; Dolls on Mission, 4036 Saint James Way, Monroe, NC 28110; or VIA Health Partners (Hospice), 7845 Little Ave., Charlotte, NC 28226. Rachel's family wishes to thank family and friends for the many prayers that were lifted on her behalf during her extended illness. Also, those who have extended a helping hand; whether it be food; keeping company while giving the family time to rest; expressing compassion during her illness, or whatever the expression of kindness was, it was greatly appreciated. Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Helms family.