Joyce Huffstetler Helms' Obituary
Joyce Huffstetler Helms, 99, of Cornelius, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and dear friends.
She was born March 16, 1926. Her long and beautiful life was marked by devotion to her family, steadfast faith, and a kindness that touched everyone she met. Joyce was a virtuous woman whose strength, dignity, and love helped shape generations.
Born to the late Charles Huffstetler and Lula Goins Huffstetler, Joyce lived a life rooted in hard work and quiet resilience. She retired from Piping and Equipment Company after many dedicated years and was a faithful member of Bethel Presbyterian Church in Cornelius, where her presence and fellowship were a blessing to her church family.
Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leland Helms, on October 24, 1997, and her cherished granddaughter, Samantha Helms, on October 22, 2009. Though deeply missed, their memories remained forever close to her heart.
She leaves behind a legacy of love through her family, who were the greatest joy of her life. She is survived by her sons, Leland “Lee” Helms and Gregory “Greg” Helms (Diane); her grandchildren, Anne Peterson (Jeff), Leslie Matthews (Jason), Jeff Helms (Erica), and Stephen Helms (Brooke); and her treasured great-grandchildren, Bailey Towe, Ava Helms, Lilly Matthews, Cannon Helms, Maren Helms, Shane Matthews, Emerson Helms, Hudson Helms, and Landon Peterson. Each carries forward her legacy of kindness, resilience, and enduring love. Joyce is also lovingly remembered by her brother, Dan Huffstetler (Charlene); her sisters, Joan Ross and Anne Harrelson; her sisters-in-law, Mary Huffstetler and Martha Helms; and many nieces and nephews who were blessed to call her family.
Along with her parents, husband, and granddaughter, she was also preceded in death by her brothers Charles Huffstetler, Robert “Bob” Huffstetler, and James Huffstetler; her sister Helen Campbell; brothers-in-law Reverend Jack Ross, Dr. Henry Harrelson, and Dick Campbell; and sisters-in-law Kitty Huffstetler and Freda Huffstetler.
A memorial service celebrating Joyce’s life will be held on March 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Cornelius, officiated by Reverend Aaron Moore. A private graveside service for family will be held in the near future at Forest Lawn West.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Bethel Presbyterian Church or Via Health Partners (formerly Hospice of the Charlotte Region).
The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care and support shown during this time. They extend special appreciation to Dr. Jack Faircloth, Blake Wise, and the staff at Atrium Health Primary Care for their years of dedication, as well as Via Health Partners and Deborah Blair, Roberta Dula, Cynthia Blackwell, and Helen Chlek for their continuous and devoted care.
She met life’s hardships with unwavering resilience and was never one to complain. A steady and loving presence, she served as the foundation upon which her family stood. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the Helms family.
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