Lydia Helms Redman

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lydia Helms Redman, 80 years old, at her home in Concord, North Carolina. She transitioned to her heavenly home on the early morning of Saturday, June 15, 2024, after a courageous two-year fight with cancer.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 7, 2024, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. It will take place in the Cabarrus Rooms Building at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4751 Highway 49 North, Concord, NC. A receiving of friends will occur from 3:00 to 4:00 with special remarks from Chaplain John Curran, followed by a light dinner for family and friends.

She was born in Concord, North Carolina, on April 16, 1944, to the late Jesse Collins Helms and Mildred Griffin Helms. She was the middle sibling of three children. She graduated from Concord High School in 1962. She worked in her father’s downtown Concord restaurant, “The Burger Basket”, immediately upon graduation until she started her career with Cannon Mills/Pillowtex. She was employed as a supervisor at various plants in the supply room and payroll departments. Upon her retirement in 2003, she began working part-time in ticket sales at The Charlotte Motor Speedway, and as a part-time administrative assistant at The Cabarrus Arena and Events Center. She remained employed at The Cabarrus Arena until 2022 when her illness worsened.

Lydia had a great love for Jesus, her family, and many friends. She was often described as funny, sassy, spunky, caring, kind, and authentic. She loved to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Charleston. She also had an unmatched love for all animals, especially dogs. She never missed an opportunity to visit with and love on them. She now gets to be with her little Shih Tzus and other pets that went to Heaven a few years ago.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 63 years, Howell B. Redman, of the home and her son, Richard H. Redman of Concord, who was also her caregiver and best friend. She is also survived by her brothers, Gary F. Helms and Michael A. Helms (Naseem), of Concord. She will also be greatly missed by her numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, and other extended family members. During her journey with this illness, she received much support and love from her niece, Rhonda Millward (Troy) and nephew, Lynn Helms (Cyndy).

The family wishes to express sincere thanks and gratitude for the care and love Lydia received from Dr. J. Stuart Salmon and Patty Vanderplow, her oncologist and nurse, as well as the nurses in the treatment center, at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute-University. The family also would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, especially her nurse, Jenna.

Memorials in Lydia’s honor may be made to Cabarrus County Animal Shelter, 244 Betsy Carpenter Pl SW, Concord, NC, or Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC.