Mary Sides Helderman

Mary Sides Helderman, age 98, finished her earthly journey on July 7, 2026, at CarePartners Solace Center. She was a loving Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, who spent her life devoted to her family, church, community and friends.

She was born in Concord, NC, on February 11, 1928, to Lucy Potts Sides and Thomas Edgar Sides. Her childhood and youth were spent in Sylacauga, AL. She attended Auburn University before returning to Concord in the late 1940s. Mary became a member of McGill Street Baptist Church, and met her future husband, William A. Helderman, Jr. They were married on May 5, 1951.

Her primary employer was Belk Department Store, where she worked in advertising. She was a faithful church member, and was a staunch supporter of missions. Ordained a deacon at McGill Ave. Baptist Church, she later served as a deacon at Cullowhee Baptist Church and Hominy Baptist Church in Candler, NC. She had a beautiful soprano voice, and joined the choir in every church she attended.

Mary became a widow in 1984. She retired in 1987, and moved to Cullowhee. She loved working in her yard, sewing, quilting, and was an avid scrapbooker. Taking care of her grandchildren was a joy, and she was always available for them.

In 1997, Mary moved to Candler, NC to be near family. She traveled to Honduras, Alaska, Nada KY, and to Ukraine to participate in mission projects. She became a volunteer with Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry at the medical clinic, and as a counselor at the Hominy Valley site. Even with her involvement outside her home, she always had time for family.

As Mary became unable to independently leave her home, she developed the ministry of birthdays. She made sure to call everyone in her church, on their birthday, wishing them a happy day. She was also a prayer warrior, and never skipped her nightly devotionals and prayer time.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She leaves behind her daughter, Corinne Helderman Yelton, son-in-law, Joseph Yelton, grandchildren, Rosemary Yelton Bila (Kevin), Jacob Yelton (Kourtney), and great-granddaughter, Sophia.

A service of memory and celebration of life will be held at Hominy Baptist Church in Candler on Saturday, July 18, 2026. A time of receiving will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the service at 11:00 a.m. Presiding will be Rev. Melissa Hughes and Rev. Dr. Paul Raybon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hominy Baptist Church or to Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministries.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.