Lois Irene Helms Mullis

Lois Irene Helms Mullis
October 25, 1932 – January 19, 2023

SANFORD – Lois Irene Helms Mullis of Sanford, NC went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus, surrounded by her family on January 19, 2023 in Middlesex, NC.

Lois was born in Waxhaw NC on October 25, 1932 to the late Earl and Dorothy Helms.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by sons, William (Steve) Mullis, Wayne H. Mullis and daughter, Patricia Caudle.

She is survived by children: son, Larry E. Mullis of Baltimore MD, daughter Debra Fletcher, wife of the late Bobby Fletcher, of Sanford NC, daughter Ann Catoe, husband Jerry, of Greenwood, SC, daughter, Donna McDowell, husband Ross, of Middlesex, NC, daughter Kathy Lindley, husband Larry of Siler City NC, son Jeffery Mullis, wife Laurie of Holly Springs NC, son Charles Mullis, wife Tami of Franklinville NC, and daughter, Sandra Suddarth, husband Donald of Sanford NC, daughter-in-law Joyce Mullis of Marshville NC, 14 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

Lois Irene Helms Mullis wore many titles during her 90 years on this earth; daughter, wife, mother, memaw, grandma, great grandma and great-great grandma. She was an only child and at seventeen, she took on the role as wife to H. Samuel Mullis for 48 years. During that time she became a mother of 11 children, grandmother to 14, great grandmother to 14 and great-great grandmother to 3.

She loved cooking for her family and their friends. She was most famous for her squash casserole and pickled okra.  She loved gathering with her family each month for a meal and family time, especially Christmas time to play “Dirty Santa”. She loved growing a variety of flowers and was especially proud of her dahlias and gladiolus. She enjoyed sewing. In her younger years, she loved to play the piano and excelled to a classical level. She also enjoyed country and gospel music. She loved to watch “The Gaither Gospel Hour” and “The Golden Girls.”

As a mother, she dearly loved her children unconditionally. The in-laws soon became more sons and daughters. From the oldest to youngest, she had a unique relationship with us all. She never judged us but only showed us she loved us. Her unselfishness and sacrifices were great. Her final words were “I love you all.”   She will be missed more than words can express. As she said, it will hurt for a little while but one day we will all be together again. In the words of The Gaither’s, “Look for me, for I will be there too”. We love you Momma.

The family will have a graveside Celebration of Life Service on February 4th in Waxhaw NC.

Arrangements are entrusted to Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory.