LANCASTER, SC ::::: Mrs. Dorothy Hellen Harbison-Estridge, age 99, died Friday, October 17, 2014 at Lancaster Convalescent Center. She was born May 23, 1915 in Lancaster County, the last child born to the late James B. "Jim" and Beatrice Threatt Rowell. She graduated from Buford High School in 1932 and from Carolina Business School in 1937. She was the first secretary at Buford High School and retired from there in 1970 after serving 15 years. Before that she was Secretary to the Credit Manager of the then Ivey's Department store in Charlotte, NC. While there she also modeled at the Tulip Terrace Lunch room during luncheon hours.

She was a member of LCCA, an avid reader and extensive traveler, having visited every state in the United States and also London, Paris, and Rome in Europe. Mrs. Estridge was a lifelong member of Tabernacle United Methodist Church where she held many offices, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and was active in the United Methodist Women's organization, serving as President twice.

Hellen was very active until her death. She enjoyed playing bridge and working puzzles. She had a great sense of humor, a rosy outlook, and with her surviving husband delivered Meals on Wheels for the Council on Aging.

Mrs. Estridge was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Melvin Harbison, a brother Gary Rowell, and four sisters, Mable R. Shute (Pomp), Norman R. Taylor (Lloyd), Mary Ellen R. Phillips (George) and Elizabeth (Betty) R. Courtney (Curlee).

Hellen is survived by her devoted husband, Ira Madison Estridge and many nieces and nephews. Those who added to her quality of life were George and Juanita Phillips, Sam and Suzan Courtney and Clara and T Sexton.

The Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Mrs. Estridge will be 2:00 pm Monday, October 20, 2014 at Tabernacle United Methodist Church by Rev. Heather Humphries. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The Family of Mrs. Estridge will receive friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall and suggests memorial contributions be made to Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 5908 Tabernacle Road, Lancaster SC 29720.


The Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Mrs. Estridge will be 2:00 pm Monday, October 20, 2014 at Tabernacle United Methodist Church by Rev. Heather Humphries. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The Family of Mrs. Estridge will receive friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.