Orwilda Helms Hill

Orwilda Helms Hill was born June 08, 1920 to the union of Noble and Ida (Buckley) Helms. Imagine her being a ball of fire from the very beginning until “she decided” after consulting with the Father, to take her rest. She was preceded in death by her cherished sisters: Millie Carter, Be Ethel Johnson and Alene Myers; a brother, Edward Lee Helms; mate: Robert “Jack” Williams; and son Larry Williams. Everyone knew “Wilda” as many things as she poured herself into the care and nurturing of others. She herself would discern your need for her assistance and then begin the task at-hand. In 1976 she relocated back to Arkadelphia, AR from California to care for her ailing father and cultivate the family farm. She loved her “critters:” cows, hogs, chickens, guineas and goats. Working tirelessly alongside her beloved brother “Bob,” was her joy. For 23 years she labored with the staff and KinderCare children at First Baptist Church in Arkadelphia. She often reflected on the pride and laughter the children brought her. Wilda was a strong and vigorous woman, scrappy and fearless of man. “My husband and my nephew sleep under the bed!” referring to her long barreled shotgun and a pistol. She was a fierce protector of what she valued, her family and her land. She was forced to retire the work of her hands at the age of 91. With much resistance, she had to submit to being cared for, and she moved to Texarkana to live with her daughter, “A” (Ida). Imagine the struggle to relinquish her independence and receive what she had for so long, given to others. She completely retired on the morning of October 2nd with her daughter at her side. The word of God says, “Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee”- Exodus 20:12, the first commandment with promise, and so, it was done unto her. Our beloved Mom, Sister, Nana and Aunt Baby … Precious memories how they linger...How they ever flood our souls with an abundance for the following loved ones, her daughter: Ida Brown; daughter in law, Ruby Williams; brothers: Robert “Bob” (Betty Jean), and Carl F. Helm; grandchildren: Marilyn(Arthur) Walker, Jacquelyn Pitts, Christopher(Tiina) Pitts, Orwilda Pitts, and Robert Williams III; great grandchildren: Jarves (Andrea) Pitts, Anthony and Arjenae Walker, James Moore, Christopher and Christiina Pitts, Joshua Fernandez, Jeshua and Jocelyn Hooper, and Tyler Williams; one great great granddaughter: Jordyn Pitts; a host of treasured family and friends, and longtime friend Ms. Evaline Griffin. Public visitation will be Thursday, October 9, 2014 from 12 noon until 5pm. Home going service will be shared on Friday, October 10, 2014 at 12 noon at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church. Presiding Elder James Thomas will serve as eulogist. Interment will be in Shady Grove Cemetery. Submitted by the Hill Family