Frances “Granny Beach” Helms Anderson

November 9, 1919 - November 11, 2009
Frances “Granny Beach” Helms Anderson

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Frances Helms Anderson,
After celebrating her 90th birthday with family and friends on November 7th, Mrs. Anderson of Carolina Beach, NC, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009.

Frances was born on November 9th, 1919, in Monroe, NC. to the late Cora Clontz and David Harrison Helms. She later moved with her family to Wilmington, NC where she resided for 75 years.

On December 24th, 1939, she was married to Robert Jackson Anderson. In 1942, they were blessed with a son, Robert H. “Bobby” Anderson. Her husband passed away in 1968. After a long career at Montgomery Ward and Sears, she retired in 1989.

The most cherished thing for Frances was her family. She loved them all dearly and unconditionally. They affectionately called her “Granny Beach” and loved her as she loved them. She was a blessing to anyone she met. Her kind smile and sweet spirit were contagious.

Frances loved to travel ,visiting all 50 states, Europe, and cruising the Caribbean. Crocheting was her passion. Her afghans and crafts can be found in homes all over the country and most recently, she made items for premature babies. She also loved to fish and enjoyed spending many hours on the Carolina Beach Pier with her sisters.

She was a long-time member of Sunset Park Baptist Church and more recently, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

Frances was also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Hilda Helms, Buck and Micky Helms, brother-in-law, John Schifini and nephew, Ronnie Helms.

She is survived by her beloved son, Bob and wife, Emily of Charlotte, NC. Two granddaughters, Lisa Faris and husband Don, of Rock Hill, SC and Tracy DeGrace and husband, Danny of Lutz, FL. She cherished her three great-grandchildren, Bobby and Emily Faris and Gianna Frances DeGrace.

She is also survived by sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Earl Page of Carolina Beach and Doris Schifini of Tom’s River, NJ, and by nieces and nephews, Ann Helms Johnson and husband Robert, Steven Page and wife, Meg, Carol Gasbarro and husband, John, Gail Hall and husband, Wayne, David Kelly and wife, Sandy, and Scott Kelly, as well as many great-nieces and nephews.

Frances will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She has left a legacy of faith that will pass down for generations to come. We praise God for her long and fruitful life.

Visitation will be on Saturday, November 14th from 3 – 4 pm at St. Paul’s UMC in Carolina Beach, with the memorial service to be held immediately following the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Paul’s Building Fund.

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