Helen Emily Harrington Phillips

Mrs. Helen Phillips, 100, formerly of Kannapolis, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 7th. She had been in declining health for several years and most recently for two weeks. She was born in the Gold Hill Township of Rockwell, N.C. to the late C. W. and Bessie Denny Harrington on February 4, 1911. Left behind to cherish her memory are her two loving daughters, Doris Yates of Washington, N. C., and Dorothy "Dot" and her husband, James "J. W." Ragan of Kannapolis. Mrs. Phillips was blessed with seven grandchildren; Danny and wife, Lisa Yates, Donnie and wife, Pam Yates, Dennis and wife, Pat Yates, Sharon Ragan Goodson and husband, Barron, Dr. Eddie and wife, Kathy Ragan, Steve and wife, April Ragan, Tony Phillips, and a special family member, Barbara K. Yates. She also enjoyed more than a dozen great-grandchildren, more than a half-dozen great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Phillips was the granddaughter of the late Rev. J. C. Denny, a teacher and founder of numerous churches, in Guilford, Stanley and Rowan Counties including Phaniels Baptist Church in Rockwell. He also served as pastor of Grace Lower Stone Reformed Church in Rockwell, following the Civil War. In addition to her parents and grandparents, Mrs. Phillips was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar D. Phillips; her son, Don Phillips; three sisters, Flossie Davis, Lethia "Pete" Moose, Carrie Harrington; two brothers, O. C. Harrington, Boyd "Shorty" Harrington; son-in-law, Rev. J. C. "Jody" Yates; and grandson, Eddie Dean Phillips. In her early years, Helen and two of her siblings attended school in Rockwell where her father was a businessman. He later moved the family to Kannapolis where they attended Trinity Methodist Church, and where she completed her later years of education. In 1973, she retired after having worked 44 years in Cannon Mills, Plant 1, Sewing Department where she always enjoyed fellowship with her coworkers even beyond the workplace and retirement. Mrs. Phillips was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved the Lord, her family, church, and friends. She was a former member of Elwood Lane Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Bessie Harrington Circle, which was named for her mother. She also taught the Dorcas Sunday School Class for many years and sang in the church choir. Later, as a member of Pleasant Avenue Baptist Church, she continued to use her talents to serve the Lord as a choir member. At the age of 90, she was very happy when she joined the fellowship of Franklin Heights Baptist Church where her daughter and son-in-law, the Ragans, are members. Various age groups there affectionately refer to her as "Mom," "Grandma," or "Granny." She attended faithfully as long as her health would allow. Even as a resident of the Brian Center in Concord, she continued to inspire others with her Christian testimony, Bible knowledge, wit, and sense of humor. Her hobbies included crocheting, knitting, gardening, fishing, reading, writing poetry, and listening to gospel music. She especially enjoyed the Gaither Homecoming series. "God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not meant to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered, �Come unto me.' With tearful eyes we watched you suffer, and saw you fall away. Although we couldn't bear to lose you, we couldn't ask you to stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands laid to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best." The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:00 Tuesday evening at Lady's Funeral Home in Kannapolis. Her funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at Franklin Heights Baptist Church with Pastor Jim E. Grigg officiating. Interment will follow at Carolina Memorial Park. The family would like to extend appreciation to the staff of the Brian Center in Concord for their loving and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Franklin Heights Christian Academy, 526 Wright Avenue, Kannapolis, N.C. 28083.