Helen Bernice (Thompson) Phelps

Helen Bernice Phelps, 87, of Lumberton, passed away on February 5, 2016. She was born on December 2, 1928 to Marvin Thompson and Kathleen Cowart Thompson.

To her friends she was known as Bernice, but to her family and grandchildren, she was always known as “Granny.” She worked for Walgreens as a specialist in the cosmetic department for 32 years until retiring in 1992. During that time, she would come home every day to care for her family and be a faithful keeper of her household. She was a fair, honest woman at all times. Giving was a part of who she was, but she expected her standard of honesty from others.  Shopping was a favorite, she was never one to pass up a good deal. Growing up during The Great Depression gave her a frugal attitude towards spending, so she would be known to buy marked-down items and groceries. She lived her life to the absolute fullest, always seeking an opportunity for adventure. Her idea of fun was to take trips to the casino. There was never a dull moment around her since she always kept everyone laughing with her jokes and sense of humor. Being an avid professional wrestling fan, it wasn’t uncommon to find her watching Monday night episodes of WWE. Helen was encouraging and kind to all that knew her, especially her son, Rocky, who recovered from a car wreck at 16. She was with him through all the surgeries and recovery for years, providing him the support of a loving mother. Being a Baptist, she was a member of Candlestick Baptist of Lumberton.

Left to cherish her memory is her son, James “Rocky” Phelps and wife, Sharon, of Lumberton, TX; granddaughters, Sarah Potter and husband, Brandon, of Lumberton, TX and Danielle Phelps of Lumberton, TX; grandson, Timothy Pessink and wife, Angel, of Colorado Springs, CO; great-grandchildren, Aidan Potter, Zoe Potter, Patrick Pessink, Lina Pessink and Ashlynn Pessink; nieces, Melinda Pitts of Vidor, TX and Suzie Thompson; and nephew, Jerry Thompson.

Those family members preceding Helen in death were her parents; loving husband of 33 years, Jack Phelps; sisters, Loreen Tillman and Vance Thompson; and brothers, Lloyd Thompson and Junior Thompson.

Visitation with family and friends will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Monday, February 8, 2016 at Lumberton Family Funeral Home. Funeral services honoring the life of Helen will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, February 9, 2016, also at the funeral home, with Bro. Bubba Thompson officiating. 

illman and Vance Thompson; and brothers, Lloyd Thompson and Junior Thompson.

Visitation with family and friends will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Monday, February 8, 2016 at Lumberton Family Funeral Home. Funeral services honoring the life of Helen will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, February 9, 2016, also at the funeral home, with Bro. Bubba Thompson officiating.