Helen Elaine Walker Harris

ROCK HILL, S.C. - Helen Elaine Walker Harris, 85, went to be with the Lord on Aug. 4, 2015, at Westminster Towers Retirement Community in Rock Hill.

She was born April 14, 1930, in Raleigh to the late Francis and Cora Walker. Mrs. Harris was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Gastonia. She served the church in many leadership roles including that of Deacon, Elder and Chair of the Music Committee. In May of 2013, the Presbyterian Women of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. presented her with an Honorary Life Membership Award for her many years of service and dedication.

After settling in Gastonia with her husband and young family in 1960, she established John's Toy and Hobby Shop and built it into the largest independent toy store in the Carolinas during the 1980s. The business was highly involved in community, church and school activities by providing educational products, materials and project ideas. Mrs. Harris was known for her optimism and a strong work ethic which was much admired by those who knew her. She also had a quick wit and sharp mind that made her a joy to be around.

Mrs. Harris is survived by her husband, John Phillip Harris, of Rock Hill, and her children: Glenn Harris and his wife, Ellen, of Belmont; Phil Harris and his wife, Karen, of Brevard; Mike Harris and his wife, Kay, of Augusta, Ga.; Steve Harris and his wife, Patti, of Brooklyn Park, Minn.; and Scott Harris and his wife, Charlotte, of Gastonia. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Jonathan, Daniel and Aaron Harris, of Augusta, Ga.; Laura, Leanne and Abigail Harris, of Brooklyn Park, Minn.; Maelin and John Harris, of Brevard; Paul Harris, of Belmont; and Virginia Harris, of Gastonia.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Aug. 13, at First Presbyterian Church, 1621 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. The service will start at 1:30 p.m., and the family will receive friends after the service.

There will also be a memorial service held in Rock Hill at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church, 421 Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill. The family will receive friends after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be given in her name to the Westminster Endowment Fund. Mrs. Harris' desire was that this would help those in need. Please send memorials to Westminster Towers, 1330 India Hook Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Attn: Endowment Fund.