Myrtle A Hellams Aka M Hellams

Myrtle A. "Boots" Hellams, died peacefully on Sunday, March 6 at her home. She was 86.

Mrs. Hellams was born in Bethune, SC, on May 18, 1924. She graduated from Laurens High School in 1941. She married the late Alton Wayne Hellams, a member of the U.S. Navy, in 1942. In a naval career that spanned thirty years, they resided in a number of places including Seattle, WA, Long Beach, CA, and Charleston, SC, retiring in Newport, NC in 1973. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. Following her husband's death in 2002, she relocated to Charleston, SC.

Mrs. Hellams was an inspirational woman whose love of people was evident in the way she treated everyone. Blessed with a beautiful voice, she always filled the room with music and joy. She was a Wilton Master Cake Decorator and Instructor with a very successful wedding cake business for many years. She contributed greatly to her community as a volunteer for many organizations. Her love of life - and music - will be remembered by her family and by all who knew her.

She is survived by two children: Carolyn Hellams Lackey of Hanahan, SC and Alton Wayne Hellams (Lydia) of Swansboro, NC. She is also is survived by three grandchildren: Carla Anne Lackey Muller of Charleston, SC; Brian Lee Lackey (Allyson) of Mechanicsville, VA; and Natalie Hellams of Hampstead, NC. She is also survived by seven great grandchildren and three nieces and one nephew.

            The family would like to thank the many wonderful caregivers and friends who made each day special for Ms. Boots.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 11, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Yeamans Park Presbyterian Church, 5931 Murray Drive, Hanahan, SC 29410. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will take place on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Laurens City Cemetery, North Harper Street, Laurens, SC 29360.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Respite Care Ministries, St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 405 King St., Charleston, SC 29403.