LANCASTER, SC ~ Mrs. Patricia Ann Gardner Helms, age 78, passed away Saturday, February 12, 2022. She was born September 16, 1943, in Lancaster, a daughter of the late Frank Gardner and Margie Steele Gardner and was the wife of the late Denny Helms. Mrs. Helms was owner operator of Dairy Mart in Lancaster for 30 years.  She enjoyed shopping, spending time at her beach home, going on vacations, and watching Lifetime movies. Family was so important to her, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren who she loved with all her heart. Mrs. Helms was a member of Pleasant Dale Baptist Church, and she loved her church family dearly.  She was a former member of White Springs Baptist Church.

Mrs. Helms is survived by her children, Donna Edwards, Frankie Lowery, and Ken Helms (Michelle); six grandchildren, Matthew Hardin, Amber Hardin (Jake), Kenny Dutton (Samantha), Devin Lowery (Mary), Mallory Helms (Matthew), and Dallas Griffin; ten great grandchildren, Karleigh, NaHaven, Kinslee, Macey, Nathan, Caroline, Paisley, Lincoln, Bently, and Blake; a brother, Richard Gardner; and a large extended family.

Mrs. Helms was preceded in death by her husband, Denny Helms; a daughter, Rhonda Ray; her parents; and a sister, Phyllis Jenkins.

The Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Helms will be private.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Dale Baptist Church, 133 S. Potter Rd., Lancaster, SC 29720.