03/04/2026
Sandra Brooks Hinson Helms
It is with the deepest sorrow that we share that a bright light in our lives has been extinguished here on earth. Sandra—Darlin, Mom, Nana, sister, and friend—has left this earthly plane to be with her Lord and Savior, March 3, 2026. While we mourn this incredible loss, we rejoice that her suffering has ended. Sandra suffered from Alzheimer’s, a very cruel disease that slowly and completely steals a loved one with a long goodbye. Prior to this dreadful illness, she lived a life devoted to her family and her Lord—nothing gave her more joy. She loved her family with her whole being and loved the Lord with all her heart and soul. She signed her emails and cards, "Blessed to be a Blessing" and that she was!
Sandra loved music and spent over four decades singing in the choir at Pleasant Hill UMC. She cherished her church family and formed lifelong bonds while raising her children in the faith, teaching them to love one another as God loves us. When Susan was a pr***en, she formed a club called the JOY Club—Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. She truly lived her life by that JOY. She had a servant’s heart and a sensitive soul. Sandra was also a good sport, which she often had to be with her sarcastic family. We loved to laugh with her—and sometimes at her. We would often ask whether Nana approved... most of the time, she didn’t. After raising her children and helping care for her grandchildren, Sandra became a real estate agent with Hawkins Realty, where she worked for the next ten years. Sandra was a singer, artist, a gardener, an amazing cook, a lover of animals and games. She loved being outside and planting flowers. Her favorite flowers were irises, and she loved dragonflies. Her old-fashioned pound cake with chocolate fudge icing was the best. Sandra could draw just about anything and would be heard singing through the house often. Her favorite quote was from Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and I could say “I used everything you gave me.”
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Sarah and Bill Edwards and her in-laws, Fairley and Nellie Helms. She was born on April 14, 1949, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. She spent much of her childhood with her grandmother, who lived with her for a time and taught her about Jesus. She gave her life to Christ at five years old. She loved her cousins, aunts, uncles, and in-laws dearly. Sandra attended Harding High School. Sandra met her husband, Ray Helms, at a party she attended with her cousin and she adored him for almost 57 years. It was a well-known fact that when Mom was a child, she wanted to marry Mighty Mouse. People would often say, “Well, I guess you did.” For those who know Ray’s determination and perseverance, it makes perfect sense
Sandra always wanted to be a mother. That was her primary life’s work and greatest joy. What a wonderful mother she has been to her three beloved children: Chris Helms, Jennifer Creed (Ryan), and Susan Helms (Marshall). She relished being Nana to her grandchildren: Dillon Creed (Marina), Logan Creed (Jena), Garron Wraith (Alexis), Colton Helms, and Rayna Helms; and to her great-grandchildren: Brooks, Kennedy, George, and Olivia Creed. She also dearly loved her brother and sister-in-law, Darren and Kristie Edwards, both of whom we are deeply grateful to for helping care for Mom in these last months.
Sandra loved being in the presence of her family and wanted to be with them all the time. She simply couldn’t get enough and began an annual trip to Edisto Beach for all the family to join. She brought laughter, joy, connection, and song to our lives, and the abyss left in her absence will remain for a lifetime for those she leaves behind.
We want to thank those who have prayed fervently for Sandra and our family. We are especially grateful for those who visited, called, and supported us during this time. A special thanks to Faye Blackwell (sister-in-law) for her support and guidance through this journey and to Fran Mauney (soul sister) for being a lifelong friend to Sandra and the family. We also extend our sincere thanks to The Agape Group for the compassionate care they provided Sandra in her final days.
We will Celebrate her Life Saturday, March 7 at 11:00am at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, 238 Fort Mill Hwy, Indian Land, SC 29707 with a visitation and light lunch afterwards in the Family Life Center.
Sandra loved color and life and she would want this day to reflect that. Guests are encouraged to wear cheerful colors in her honor.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Epworth Children’s Home in Sandra’s memory at Give Online - Epworth. https://www.epworthchildrenshome.org/give/
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