Mary Helen (Howell) Pharr

     Mrs. Mary Helen Howell Pharr was born September 13, 1941 in Hickory Grove, SC to the late John Henry and Cedalia Galmon Howell. She departed this life on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at Rock Hill Post Acute Care Center, after an extended illness.
     She was married to the late Arthur Pharr and grew up in a large family of eleven, receiving lots of love and devotion. She was educated in York County Public Schools, and later graduated from Cornerstone Christian Correspondence School. She was a loyal employee in a textile mill, Garlock, until her retirement and afterwards she worked briefly as a cook at White Oak Manor.
     She was a member of White Hill AME Zion Church and served on the Hymn Choir and Women’s Ministry.
     “Ms. Helen,” as she was referred to by the neighborhood children, was a kind and loving person who showed a great love for children. She provided freeze pops for them and they often would stop by to just visit. She loved to cook and everyone’s favorite dish was her potato salad. She was one of the O’ Jays biggest fans and would travel miles to see them. Ms. Helen will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.
     She leaves to cherish her loving memories, five children; Jerry Howell, Gene Hemphill, Jeffery Howell all of York SC, Michael Howell of Bishopville, SC, and Tracie Howell of Columbia, SC; a brother, James Howell (JW) of York, SC; one step-daughter, Darlene Orr (Chalmers), four brothers-in-law, eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and three godsons; as well as a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.
     Funeral services will be 2:00 pm, Saturday October 1, 2022 at White Hill AME Zion Church in York, SC with Rev. Delores F. Berry officiating, and Apostle John T. Brown eulogizing. ***White Hill AME Zion Church requires masks and temperature checks***
     The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Friday, September 30th at the funeral home.
     Pending any inclement weather, burial will follow the service at Lakeview Memory Gardens in York, SC.
 

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