Helen May (Harris) Tymes

Mrs. Helen May Tymes, age 56 of 620 Ponderosa Trail, Cameron, NC transitioned into eternal rest on Monday, July 27, 2020 at Central Carolina Hospital.

The Memorial Reflections

If I can help somebody as I pass along,

If I can cheer somebody with a word or a song,

If I can show somebody they are traveling wrong,

Then my living shall not be in vain! | Copied

            These lyrics are and were the sentiment and the testament of HELEN MAY HARRIS TYMES, the only descendent of Richard Harris and Sybil Gordon. Her parents were favored with her intellect and charisma on March 25, 1964 while her father was stationed in London, England. Soon after, the family moved to United States and Helen graduated from Plainville High School, Plainville CT – the Class of 1982. Because of her joyous personality, she was affectionately called “Joy”

            Following her father’s footsteps, Helen enlisted in the United States Army on July 5, 1983 in Baltimore MD. Her military career began with Basic Training at Fort Sill OK. She was later stationed at the following military bases: Fort Sam Houston TX, Germany, South Korea, Fort Leonard Wood MO, Fort McClennan AL, and Fort Bragg NC. On April 1, 2001, she retired with the rank of Sergeant First Class from Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg.

          After her military career, Helen began her quest to educate and empower people for the betterment of themselves. In 2001, she matriculated through Park University, Parkville MO, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Management. She then obtained her Master of Arts degree in Human Resources Development from Webster University, St. Louis MO.

            Helen’s educational background and military career allowed her to “help somebody as she passed along.” This began with her assignment as the Program Manager and Career Advisor at Johnston County Industries, Smithfield NC. From there, she became a Career Specialist at the National Organization on Disability, Fayetteville NC in 2008. In 2010, she became a Deputy with the Recovery Care Coordinator, Fayetteville NC office. In 2016, she transferred to Patriot Enterprises, LLC – Fayetteville office - as the Deputy Program Manager. Upon her transition, Helen was employed as the Veterans Career Advisor with NC Works, Sanford NC office. These assignments endorsed Helen’s heart of gold.

            Helen’s love affair with Jasper Tymes began while they were stationed at Fort Bragg. She was the 2nd Squad Leader and he was the 3rd Squad Leader in the 28th Combat Support Hospital – ICU Platoon. Her golden smile and infectious personality captured his heart and they commenced their lives together on March 27, 1997 in Cumberland County NC.

            Helen’s service to God and His church was a remarkable, faith journey filled with dignity and grace. She and her family united with Simon Temple AME Zion Church, Fayetteville NC. They later transferred their membership and became disciples of Cameron Grove AME Zion Church, Broadway NC on May 28, 2017. She rededicated her life and was baptized, alongside her son, Brandon, on March 31, 2019. Helen served in the following church ministries: a Church School Teacher; a matron of the Woman’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society; the Treasurer of the Connectional Lay Council; and a member of the Cameron Grove Gospel Choir and the Cameron Grove Praise Team; Vice Chairman of the Board of Christian Education and the Director of the Department of Christian Education. She truly guided “the heartbeat of the church” with innovative programs, informative teachings, and instructive seminars. In November 2019, she was appointed as the Director of Adults, Christian Education Department, Dunn-Lillington District, AME Zion Church.

Helen received numerous awards, certificates, certifications, and accommodations throughout her careers. She was actively involved in the following organizations: Veterans of Foreign Wars; the National Career Development Association; the Harnett County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; the Board of Christian Education, the Dunn-Lillington District; and the Ministers’ Spouse Fellowship, the Dunn-Lillington District. On May 23, 2020, she was inducted into the Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Upon her transition, she was enrolled at Capella University, Minneapolis MN, where she was seeking to obtain a doctorate degree in Human Resources Management.

In the late evening of Monday, July 27, 2020, Helen finished her work with us and received the greatest honor and promotion of her life – transferring to her heavenly home – while a patient at Central Carolina Hospital, Sanford NC.

Helen was preceded in death by two of her children: Regina Harris (daughter) and Charles Anthony Tymes (son) and her stepbrother: Mark K. Smith.

The precious and fond memories of Helen will forever be cherished in the hearts and souls of her husband: Minister Jasper Tymes; her son: Brandon Christopher Tymes (Jeanetta Robinson); her stepson: Akil Jermon; her grandchildren: Jeremiah Anthony Tymes, Jadis Tymes, and Anija Tymes; her godsons: Cameron Powell of Hope Mills NC and Joshua Hairston of Frederick MD; her parents: Richard Harris of Harrisburg PA and Sybil Gordon of the home; her stepsisters: Charmetri Wrice-Bullock (Anthony) of Fayetteville NC and Stephanie Wrice-Grayer (Antonio) of New Britain CT; 13 uncles; 7 aunts; her sisters-in-love: Barbara Harmon (Samuel) of Newnan GA, Audrey Hilliard (Charles) of Birmingham AL, Evelyn Tymes of Houston TX, and Regina Tymes Roberts (Andrew) of Swansboro GA; her brother-in-love: Darron Tymes (Ann) of Montgomery AL; her nieces and nephews (Tymes family); her cousins; her very special friend: Tracey Powell of Fayetteville NC; other relatives, neighbors, church family, and friends.

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Professional Services Entrusted to: Knotts Funeral Home, Sanford