Beverly M. Helms
1937 – 2009
AUBURN — Beverly M. Helms, 72, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 23, at Clover Manor surrounded by her loving family.
She was born April 28, 1937, in Hope, a daughter of Cecil and Barbara (Gray) Smith. On Nov. 10, 1953, she married Lawrence E. Helms Sr. and together they raised their eight children in Greene. She and her husband worked together developing their construction business, eventually becoming the manager of HBI Homes.
Along with her children, she founded and ran First Choice Video for a number of years. She enjoyed sewing and took great pleasure in making the wedding dresses for some of her daughters. She enjoyed making pajamas for her grandchildren and was very skilled in woodworking on various pieces of furniture. She had a sharp financial mind and was always intrigued in dealing with financial matters.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Lawrence; eight children, Brenda Carney of Augusta, Steven Helms of Poland, Kathy Melanson of Leeds, Lawrence E. “Dusty” Helms Jr. of Poland, Melanie Charest of Lewiston, Laurie Pinkham of Auburn, Beverly Hemond of Minot and Sharon Helms of Sabattus; two sisters, Louise Mitchell of Poland and Melba Smith of Massachusetts; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents.