Helen Ruth Kemmerlin Gaskins

Helen Ruth Kemmerlin Gaskins, 87, of Hanahan, and former longtime resident of North Charleston, SC, wife of James Hugh Burns Gaskins, died Thursday, July 14, 2011, in the Hospice of Charleston Center in Mt. Peasant.

Born October 8, 1923 in Cameron, SC she was the daughter of George David and Emma J. Parler Kemmerlin.  She was raised in the Lutheran Home of the South in Salem, VA where she met her husband.  She graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in 1942 and Cosmetology School in 1947. She was beautician and cosmetology instructor for many years. Mrs. Gaskins was very active in the Lutheran community and was involved in many far reaching social ministries to include volunteering at MUSC, local orphanages  and the Lowman Home. In 1983 Mrs. Gaskins was honored as the SC Lutheran Sunday School Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Gaskins, beloved wife, mother and friend to many, is survived by her husband of 68 years,  James Hugh Burns Gaskins of Hanahan, SC; son, James H.B. "Jimmy" Gaskins, Jr. and his wife Deborah Atchison Gaskins of North Charleston, SC; daughter, Lynne Watkins and her husband Dick of Rock Hill, SC; brother, Paul J. Kemmerlin and his wife Dottie of Augusta, GA; grandchildren:  Emily K. Gaskins, J.E.B. Watkins and John "Jack" Watkins; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Donald Rhett Gaskins; brothers:  George Kemmerlin, Charles Kemmerlin and Rhett Kemmerlin; sisters, Frances Felkel and Lois Felkel.

The family will receive friends in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., NORTHWOODS CHAPEL, 2180 Greenridge Road, Sunday, July 17, 2011 between 4:00 and 6:00 PM.

The memorial service will be held in Messiah Lutheran Church, Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, 1106 Yeamans Hall Road, Hanahan, SC 29410.