Bernadine L. Helms

Bernadine L. Helms was born on October 1, 1927, in Dickerson, MD. She lived in the areas known as Big Woods and Sugar Loaf Mountain. In 1989, she relocated with her spouse, James. C. Helms, to Frederick, MD. In February 2013, she relocated to Glen Burnie, MD, where she lived with her devoted daughter, Hillary E. Brown, until she made her transition. Bernadine attended Comstock School, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and Lincoln High School in Frederick, MD. She retired from National Geographic in Rockville, MD.

Bernadine was preceded in death by her: spouse, James C. Helms; parents, Charles and Frances Bowie; and siblings, Rodney and Charles "Edward" Bowie and Clara (Bowie) Wolfe.
She is survived by: her children, Phyllis G. Harris (Atlee), Alfred "Tommie" Helms (Marcia), Hillary E. Brown, Brenda A. Claytor (Elliott), and James "J.R." C. Helms (Patricia); and brother, Craig P. Bowie, Sr. (Carrie).

She also leaves behind ten grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Bernadine loved to crochet, play bingo, work word puzzles, and dine out. She had a passion for old TV shows, especially Westerns. She was a member of Bells Chapel UMC and Jerusalem Baptist Church. She attended various other churches in Frederick, MD, and last attended St. Mark UMC in Hanover, MD.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2014, at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 19215 Jerusalem Road, Poolesville, MD 20837. Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Glenn Taylor officiating. Interment at Bells Chapel Church Cemetery, Dickerson, MD.