Amos Helms

Just doing all each day that I can, and living it with zest by loving, laughing, and dreaming too, but always just trying to do my best. My best I’ll give, my best I’ll share without a question why because I know I cannot stay, for I’m just passing by. On November 3, 1941, George Washington and Callie Mitchell Helms welcomed the birth of their third son, a handsome baby boy. They named him Amos. Amos was raised in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He was educated in the Clark County School System and attended Peake High School. Nurtured in a Christian environment, Amos gave his life to Christ at a young age and joined Shady Grove AME Church. Later in life he joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. A. W. Terry where he was ordained as deacon. He later joined Gennesaret Baptist Church and lastly returned to Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd. He served as a deacon, a member of the male chorus and was a faithful member of the male Sunday school class. On October 8, 1963, believing God’s Word, “….and the two shall become one flesh….” he married Mary Frances Williams. The Lord blessed this union with the birth of Sandra and June. Together they laid a solid foundation for family life based on love, commitment, and Christian values. Amos was a former employee of Reynolds Metal Company and was a retired self-employed logger. Some of his favorite pastimes included hunting, gardening, farming, and raising hogs, however, his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. He was not a man of many words, but of few words and of many virtues. He was a good man and a hard worker. He traveled his road of life dealing with the stormy and sunny days along the way to the best of his ability with integrity and character. He was a patient man; he always maintained a humble spirit and mild disposition throughout his life. We will remember his smiles, love, infectious laugh and melodious voice. Some of his noted songs were “God Has Smiled on Me,” I Stood on the Banks of Jordan,” and “Nearer My God to Thee.” On Sunday, March 27, 2011, in his 69th season, Amos answered the call that no man can refuse and surrendered his soul to Christ. Awaiting his arrival and to welcome him home are his father, George Washington Helms. Because love is far greater than death, Amos departs this earth in body only. Those left to celebrate his life and remember his legacy are his loving mother, Callie Helms of Arkadelphia; two daughters, Sandra Moore and June (Derrick) Stephens both of Little Rock; five brothers, Edward (Vernance) Helms of Shreveport, LA, George (Magdeline) Helms , Bobby (Channey) Helms, Billy Helms and Charles (Angela) Helms all of Arkadelphia; one aunt, Irene Amacker of Woodville, TX; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, several friends and the Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church family. Mr. Helms will lie in repose in the funeral home Friday, April 1st from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 2nd at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, pastor and officiant. The committal service and final resting place will be in Shady Grove Cemetery. Bearers of the casket will be Charles Helms, Jr., Jordan Helms, Jeff Helms, Marcus Helms, Doug Nelson and Junior Bledsoe.