Mrs. Orpha Helms Self, age 98, of Lincolnton went home to be with Jesus her Savior on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at Cardinal Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.
Her funeral will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Asbury United Methodist Church in Lincolnton with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Her body will lie in state for 30 minutes prior to the service. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Warlick Funeral Home in Lincolnton.
Mrs. Self was born on August 7, 1914 and was the oldest of eight children of the late William and Connie Shrum Helms. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Howard A. Self, an infant son, a sister, Jennie Burris and three brothers, James, Blair and Paul Helms. Mrs. Self was a lifelong member of Asbury United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for 51 years. She loved to study the Bible and its history and to tell others about Asbury’s history. She worked at Boger Crawford Mill in Boger City, Boger City Café and the cafeteria of G.E. Massey School. Mrs. Self participated in the Lincoln County Senior Citizens Craft Show for 43 yeas and is well known for her crocheted crafts, especially her doilies, lace, butterflies, crosses and angels. She also made clothes for herself and her family, quilts, doll clothes and did beautiful embroidery. She was a member of Ainslee Alexander Extension Homemakers Club, the Buffalo Shoals PADA and was a leader of the Buffalo Shoals 4-H Club.
Mrs. Self is survived by her daughter, Janice Self Hull and son-in-law, Russell Hull, three sisters, Mildred Deese of Newton, Helen Jones and her husband, Webb of Catawba and Margie Hughes and her husband, Clay of Sacramento, California, niece Rhonda Hicks and husband, Phil of Asheboro and other nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Cardinal Care for the loving care and support they gave Orpha and her family.
Memorials may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, PO Box 676, Lincolnton, NC 28093.
