Esther Jean Helton, 80, of 304 College Avenue, lost a courageous 35 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis at Cleveland Pines Nursing Center, receiving her new body from Christ her Lord on Wednesday, December 14, 2011. A native of Cleveland County, she was the daughter of the late Raymond Lee and Corene Champion Lewis. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Shelby where she was a former pianist. She was a precious wife, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother who loved her family very much.

SURVIVED: She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Wilson Frank Helton, Sr.; two sons, Frank Helton, Jr. and wife Gloria of Shelby and David Lee Helton and wife Joanne of Milwaukee, WI; one daughter, Carol Kendrick and husband Phil of Shelby; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Helton, Heather Walton and husband Matt, Stephen Helton, Kristin Solomon, Jerica Helton, Haley Treiber and husband Ross, and Kyle Kendrick; four great grandchildren, Knox Walton, Joshua Solomon, Kariana Lee, and Kendall Lee; also special members of the family, Gail Helton and Brinson Blanton.

SERVICES: Funeral Service will be private

VISITATION: The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Saturday at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby.

CLERGY: Rev. Wade Wallace

BURIAL: Burial will be private, for family only.

MEMORIALS: Memorials may be made to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, 9801-I Southern Pine Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28273 or Calvary Baptist Church, 320 Old Boiling Springs Rd., Shelby, NC 28152.

FUNERAL HOME:    Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby