Mary Pitts Helms, philanthropist
Mary Pitts Helms, 81, of Rehoboth Beach passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, at her home. She was born March 4, 1938, in Richmond, Va., daughter of the late Francis and Thelma Pitts of Sparta, Va.
Mary received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from George Mason University and her master’s degree in human resource management from American University. Her professional career spanned more than 35 years, during which she was a life and career coach, executive search consultant, business owner, and human resource leader. Mary was extensively involved in a number of philanthropic endeavors, serving as trustee, board vice president, and committee chair for the Children’s Beach House in Lewes since 2004. She also served as a Stephen Minister and lay leader for Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, and was instrumental in the funding and construction of the current house of worship. Mary’s faith was core to her being, with strong connections to many systems of belief and worship. She was co-founder of the Thomas Merton Interfaith Chapter of Southern Delaware. Mary was an author and poet, publishing two books of poetry after ALS took her speaking voice. She often said that ALS saved her life by helping her find her inner voice. Mary was married to Robert Helms of Newport, Va., from 1958 until 1979, and with him had four children. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Anne Bonchu. She is survived by her partner, George Beckerman; her sons: Alan (Denise), Robert (Tanja) and William (Christy); her daughter, Catherine; her grandchildren: Katherine, Christine, Daniel, Christopher, Tanner, Phillip, Caroline, Eva and Althea; her sister, Jane McAllister (John); her many cousins, nieces and nephews; and her diverse community family of Rehoboth Beach.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, at 1 p.m., at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 2nd Street, Lewes. A celebration of life and interment will take place in the spring at Salem Baptist Church in Sparta. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions made in Mary's memory to the Children's Beach House, 1800 Bay Ave., Lewes, DE 19958, or to the ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter, 321 Norristown Road, #260, Ambler, PA.
Please visit Mary's Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
