Helen Burnette Batts
July 22, 1913 ~ December 26, 2010
Helen Burnette Batts, 97, died Sunday, December 26, 2010. She was born July 22, 1913 in rural Franklin County near Laurel Mill. She was predeceased by her parents, John Ward and Rebecca Gupton Burnette; her husband of 26 years, W. R. "Dock" Batts; brothers, Fred, Linwood, "Greek", "Monk", "Chubby", and Cliff Burnette; and a special friend of over 60 years, Crystal Wells Pridgen.
As a 17 year old bride, December 2, 1930, Helen left her home in Elm City and came to Nash County to live in the farm home of her in-laws, Charlie and Ida Everette Batts, at Mill Branch. In January, 1934, the young couple and infant son moved just down the road to tend a parcel of Batts' family land, at Joyner's Crossroad. With an empty nest, in 1952, she took her expertise in sewing and needlework outside the home and became self-supporting. She was a tireless volunteer and Goodwill Ambassador for her church and community. Countless individuals have been touched by her kindness and spontaneous generosity; food lovingly prepared in her kitchen or a craft item made by her hands that were never idle. Helen held fast to her conviction that a person's funeral had already been "preached" by the life they lived. Her "sermon" was presented daily, on a note of dignity and purpose, as she went about her duties in service to others.
She will live on in the memory of those who knew and loved her, including a son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Mary Pridgen Batts of Rocky Mount; brother and sister-in-law, "Fal" and "Butch" Burnette of Murfreesboro; sister-in-law, Linda Collins Burnette of Greenville; the Jack Pridgen family; Rev. Mary Todd and the congregation of Morton Presbyterian Church; three nieces; eight nephews and hundreds, spanning four generations, who grew up in the Mill Branch-Joyner's Crossroad community, claiming her as their own "Aunt Helen".
In keeping with her request, a memorial service to joyfully celebrate her "Going Home" will be held at a later date. A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm Thursday afternoon, December 30, 2010 at Pineview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Morton Presbyterian Church, 6605 West Mount Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27803.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC. You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Service
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Thursday 12/30, 1:00 pm
Morton Memorial Presbyterian Church
6605 West Mount Drive
Rocky Mount, NC 27803
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Saturday 1/8, 1:00 pm
Cemetery
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
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Lit a candle in memory of Helen Burnette Batts
Aunt Helen was a special lady who excelled in making others feel special. She had a warm smile, a gentle touch and a caring and giving spirit. She will always have a special place in my heart.
I remember Aunt Helen as far back as when I was four or five years old. I sat on her back porch eating homemade peach pie. She always had something freshly baked to share when I visited. She was truly a special lady.
I miss Aunt Helen. Before I would spend time at Spring Arbor with my mother, Rebecca Batts, I would often spend a bit of time with Aunt Helen. What a joy those visits were to me! Her continued loving kindness and friendship to my mother will also be greatly remembered.