Marion "Betsy" Helms

Marion "Betsy" Helms Conway - Marion "Betsy" (Bet Bet) Helms, age 84, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Betsy was born in Columbia, South Carolina, and was the daughter of the late David F. Coward and Marion Madden Welliver. She graduated from Dreher High School in 1960. Betsy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Donald Wray Helms. Throughout her life, Betsy devoted herself to her family, her community, and her work. Her professional career included serving as a stenographer with the South Carolina Department of Transportation, office secretary at Calhoun/Clemson Elementary School, manager of Greenfield Apartments, and bookkeeper at Helms Realty. One of the greatest chapters of her working life was her 30 years of service at Conway Elementary School, where she eventually retired. Betsy was an active and devoted member of First Baptist Church of Conway. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she shared that faith generously with others. Over the years, she taught third-grade Sunday School and the Young Musicians Choir, served as a wedding director, and sang in the Chancel Choir. Betsy will be remembered most of all for the love she gave to her family and friends, her caring spirit, and the many lives she touched throughout her years in Conway and beyond. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, friendship, and love that will continue through the people who knew and cherished her. She loved traveling with her husband, spending time with dogs, and enjoying music. She is survived by her daughter, Beth Helms of Conway; her son, David Helms of Columbia; and her grandson, Hunter Helms of Columbia. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Terry Helms (Barri) of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Al Lyerly (Jennifer) of Columbia. She leaves behind special cousins Anne Brown Wilkins of Cary, North Carolina; Melanie Wilkins Bennett (William) of Raleigh, North Carolina; and Boodie Madden of Columbia, South Carolina. Betsy is also survived by her special friend and caregiver, Sebrina Stanley, whose loving care and friendship meant so much to her, and her lifelong faithful friend, Jean M. Timbes. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 29, 2026 from Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel with Rev. Rocky Taylor officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM Saturday. Memorials may be sent to the Jeni Timbes Scholarship Fund, C/O Conway High School, 2301 Church Street, Conway, SC 29526. Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Betsy Helms please visit our Sympathy Store.

Marion "Betsy" Helms

August 9, 1942 - August 25, 2026