Paul James Helms

MONROE

Dr. Paul James Helms, 96, of Monroe passed away Monday, January 25, 2010 at Sharon Towers in Charlotte, NC following a lengthy illness. Dr. Helms was born in Union County, NC on June 1, 1913 son of the late Kirby and Daisy Cadieu Helms.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Frielann Bullard Helms and his only daughter, Mishew “Shan” Ann Helms and four sisters, Kathryn Helms Griffin, Mildred Helms Mungo, Martha Helms Chaney and Sarah Helms Kelly. He is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Jeanette Plyler Helms, also of Sharon Towers and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dr. Helms graduated from Benton Heights High School, Wingate College and Northern Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Helms practiced optometry in Monroe for forty-six years and during this time was joined by Dr. C. Brantley Aycock, with whom he shared a close and professional relationship.

Dr. Helms was very active and involved in his community. He was a member of the Monroe Rotary Club for over 64 years, serving as past president, past district governor, a Paul Harris Fellow, a sustaining member and had received numerous awards. He was a long time trustee of Wingate University and was awarded a lifetime honorary trustee in 1993. Dr. Helms was awarded the first Man of the Year of Monroe in 1958 and was active in the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, serving as president in 1953-54.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Monroe with Dr. John Hewett officiating. Immediately following the service a reception and visitation will be held. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 109 Morrow Ave., Monroe, NC 28112, Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh St., Charlotte, NC 28204 or The Humane Society of Union County, P O Box 101, Monroe, NC 28111.

Gordon Funeral Service is caring for the Helms family. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

PAID OBITUARY

Bernice Higgins

Monroe

Mrs. Bernice Higgins, 92, died Monday, Jan. 25, 2010 at CMC -Union.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

Grier Funeral Services of Monroe are in charge.

Larry Eugene Medlin Sr.

MONROE

Larry Eugene Medlin Sr., 62, passed away Monday, January, 25, 2010. He was born in Union County, N.C., on February 15, 1947 son of the late Marvin G. and Flossie Helms Medlin. Mr. Medlin was the owner of Medlin’s Towing, Auto and Equipment Repair.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Secrest Grove Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Lakeland Memorial Park.

Mr. Medlin was preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Ray Medlin. He is survived by his wife, Linda Helms Medlin, sons, Clint Baucom of Dallas, Larry Eugene Medlin, Jr. and Timmy Medlin, both of Monroe and Chris Medlin of Georgia, daughters, Robin Ross of Newport, N.C., Cindy Baker and Belinda Pope, both of Monroe, brothers, Luther Wade Medlin of Marshville, Robert Lee Medlin of Greensboro, sister, Eva Louise Thompson of Monroe, 15 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, NC 28112.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 222 S. Church St., Suite 303, Charlotte, NC 28202. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.

PAID OBITUARY

David Lee Pearson

Indian Trail

Mr. Pearson, 58, passed away Monday, January 25, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born August 20, 1951 in Monroe, David was the son of Emma Lee Pearson and the late William Pearson of Wesley Chapel.

David grew up in the Wesley Chapel area playing baseball and attending dirt track races with his dad. He became a master mechanic, a skill learned from his dad. He was always a “good Samaritan”, willing to help with any emergency. David served in the U.S. Army which included a tour of duty in Germany.

David’s love for his family and friends was evident in the many ways he chose to spend his time. He enjoyed golfing with the guys, the annual family beach trip, weekend trips to Twin Harbor Campground, planting and tending a garden with his wife and son-in-law, and meeting all of his friends at the dirt track races at Lancaster Motor Speedway. He always looked forward to Sunday lunches with his Mother, eating out on Friday nights with his sisters and their families, and spending precious time with his beloved daughters and grandchildren. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his mother, survivors include his wife, Jan Stinson Pearson; daughters Heather Wilson and husband Neil of Monroe and Ara Locklear and husband Sam of Indian Trail; five grandchildren, five sisters, Diane Burrier and husband Jim of Monroe, Joyce Wolfe and husband Sanford of Monroe; Brenda Smith and husband Tommy of Wesley Chapel, Ellen Gordon and husband Jimmy of Matthews, and Vickie Wright of Waxhaw; four nephews and five nieces.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 1 PM Wednesday at Heritage Funeral Home in Indian Trail with Rev. Jim Johns officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeland Memorial Park. His family will receive friends from 7 to 9 PM Tuesday evening also at the funeral home.

The family asks that memorials may be made to Hospice and Pallative Care, 1420 E. Seventh Street, Charlotte NC 28204.

Arrangements for the Pearson family are in the care of Heritage Funeral Home. An online guest registry is available at www.heritagefuneral.net.

PAID OBITUARY

Beulah L. Whited

charlotte

Beulah L. Whited died Sunday (Jan. 24, 2010) at Presbyterian-Main in Charlotte.

Funeral will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Sunset Memory Gardens.

Born March 2, 1917, in Shell Creek, Tenn., she was a daughter of the late Henry William and Rebecca Oaks Pilkington and married to the late Ernest W. Whited.

Survivors include four sons, Stewart, Finley, Kenneth, and Jerry; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are in care of Heritage Funeral Home, Indian Trail Chapel.

Online condolences may be left at www.heritagefuneral.net.