Anne (Helms) Graham

Anne Helms Graham, age 82, passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024. The visitation will take place on Tuesday, February 13th in Belk Funeral Home from the times of 6:00pm until 8:00pm. A funeral service will be held in the Mechanicsville Baptist Church Worship Center on Wednesday, February 14th at 3:00pm, with burial following the service in Mechanicsville Baptist Church Cemetery.

Anne was born on September 3, 1941, in Darlington County, she is the daughter of the late Hazel B. Helms and Doris M. Blackman Helms.

Anne is survived by her husband of sixty-two years, Ray J. Graham Sr, her son, Ray J. (Beth) Graham Jr. and three grandchildren, Elizabeth (Matt), Austin, and Adam, and her great-grandchild, Graham Anderson. She is also survived by her three siblings, Jane (Ken) Gunter, Alice (Gary) James, Frank (Linda) Helms, and her constant canine companion, Thumper.

In addition to her parents, Anne is preceded in death by her brother, Bobby J. (Belvadean) Helms and her dear uncle Sammie D Wilhite.

Anne was born and raised on the farms and fields of Mechanicsville, South Carolina. She learned the value of hard work at a very young age. As the eldest daughter of four siblings, she was the best big sister. From a very young age she had a love of horses. She was an avid equestrian and shared this love with children by training them to ride and care for the horse as a true friend and companion. As a child, Anne accompanied by her siblings met the book mobile regularly. She developed a love of reading that lasted a lifetime.

Anne was a 1959 graduate of Saint John's Highschool where she played basketball and drove a school bus.

She was employed by Dr. C. Edward Floyd as Office Manager of Floyd Medical Associates in 1962. Anne received her RN from Florence Darlington Technical College in 1977. She was Surgical Nurse and Practice Manager until her retirement in 2002.

Anne served as the proud spouse and mother of South Carolina National Guard officers both husband and son. She supported Colonel (Retired) Ray J Graham Sr. throughout his 39 years of service. Anne was many times over selected as South Carolina Army National Guard spouse and family of the year. Her efforts and achievements were recognized by National, State, Brigade and Battalion Commands. She loved and supported her family, friends, and nation.

Anne was a devoted lifetime member of Mechanicsville Baptist Church. She served Christ in her church and community. She was a teacher, leader, and follower of Christ. She had a heart for healing body, mind, and spirit. She never hesitated to respond to the needs of her family, friends, and community. Anne embodied the compassionate heart. She demonstrated the Christian ideal as the hands and feet of Christ.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Attention to the SC Gift Processing at 4600 Park Road, Ste 250 Charlotte, NC 28209.