Mahala Helms

SIKESTON -- Mahala Bea Buras Helms, 90, died July 22, 2002, at Clearview Nursing Center.

Born June 24, 1912, in Coleman County, Texas, daughter of the late Elijah John and Jane Needham Sanders, she was a member of the Baptist Church.

She was married to Leslie Earl Helms who preceded her in death.

Survivors include: two sons, Larry Dean Buras of Alvarado, Texas, and Pete Davis of Truth or Consequences, N.M.; two daughters, Mary Lou Cox of Portales, N.M., and Shirley Fournier of Sikeston; and 15 grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, two sons, Jimmy Davis and Buster Davis; 11 brothers; and two sisters preceded her in death.

Visitation is from 11 a.m. Thursday until memorial services at 2 p.m. at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston. The Rev. Bill Koch, pastor of First United Methodist Church, will officiate.

Services will be held later at the Baptist Church in Tatum, N.M.

Burial will follow in the Tatum Municipal Cemetery in Tatum.