Sara Donald Culp Helms

Sara Donald Culp Helms, affectionately known as Sara Don, passed away on March 6, 2026. Born on March 4, 1929, in York County, South Carolina, she was the youngest child of Annie Cranford Culp and Lloyd Culp. She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Woodrow, Theo, and Hazel, and her sister, Emily.

After graduating from high school, Sara Don began a long career at Perpetual Building and Loan in Fort Mill, South Carolina, which later became the Bank of Fort Mill. She served as a teller and bookkeeper for 46 years, continuing through the bank’s mergers with C&S Bank and later Nations Bank. She retired in 1992, cherishing the many friendships she formed during her dedicated service.

On February 5, 1949, Sara Don married the love of her life, James Steele Helms. Together they became active members of Hermon Baptist Church, where she served quietly and faithfully for many years. With a servant’s heart, she prepared the homemade unleavened bread for Communion services and served as Assistant Treasurer until 2023. Her deep love for Jesus Christ was evident in her life and in her desire for others to know Him.

Although Sara Don and James were not blessed with children of their own, she lovingly regarded her church family, nieces, nephews, and close friends as her own. She left behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and faithful example for all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2013.