Neta Blackwelder Helms

Mrs. Neta Blackwelder Helms, 103, of Concord, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Atrium Health-Cabarrus, surrounded by her family.

She was the wife of the late Everett Helms and the daughter of the late James Thomas Blackwelder and Nora Elizabeth Blackwelder. She was predeceased by brothers and sisters, Rena McPhatter, Catherine Petrea, Ray Blackwelder, Ralph Blackwelder, Alice Dorton, and Adelaid Blackwelder.

Her son, Everett “Sonny” Helms, Jr., his wife, Kay and her granddaughter Katie and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins survive.

Mrs. Helms was a civic and business leader in Cabarrus County. She owned and operated Neta’s Stores for Women and Children’s Clothing in Kannapolis and Concord for more than 73 years. Her service in promoting downtown was key to the success of the Concord Downtown Development Corporation where she served on the Board of Directors.

In 2019, the Concord Downtown Development Corporation presented her the Lifetime Achievement Award in celebration of her 73 years of business and service to Concord downtown and the CDDC. She was a founding member of the Concord Redevelopment Corporation, a precursor of the CDDC.

Additionally, the group created a new award to recognize a business or property owner who has shown exceptional support to the downtown district. The new award to be given annually, is named in her honor, the Neta B. Helms Award.

She loved her church. She was a faithful member of Central United Methodist Church and especially active in the music program. A choir member for many years, she donated the Sanctuary piano in memory of her husband, Everett. She was President of the United Methodist Women for 3 years at Central.

In 2005, she was Grand Marshall of the Concord Christmas Parade.

She gave freely of her strength and devotion to her family and to many friends.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Oakwood Cemetery. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Central United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Tom Latimer. The family will receive friends following the service in the church Coltrane Room.

The funeral will be livestreamed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@CentralUMCConcord

Memorials may be directed to Central United Methodist Church, 30 Union St. N. Concord, NC 28025, Cabarrus Healthcare Foundation, 920 Church St N, Concord, NC 28025, CVAN PO Box 1749, Concord, NC 28026-1749.

The family would like to give a special thanks for love, compassion, and care by Harriett Drye, The Pink Team @ Crescent Heights (Isabel, Latoya, Andrea, Lula, Abby, Vicky, Debra) Atrium Health Primary Care, Concord Internal Medicine, RN Kelly with Bayada, and all her friends and family.