Shirley Helms, age 66, of Murphy, died Friday, December 18, 2015 in a Chattanooga, Tennessee care facility. She was a native of Brooklyn, New York, but had lived most of her life in Charlotte, North Carolina before moving to Cherokee County seven months ago.  She was a retired waitress. She was a member of Old Fashioned Baptist Church.

She was the daughter of the late William Frank and Irene Coker Farar.

Surviving are a son, Jamie Cook of Reidsville, North Carolina; four sisters, Charlotte Almond of Murphy, and Billie Jo Cone, Brenda Shepherd, and Donna Wicker all of Burlington, North Carolina; and two grandchildren, Katlyn Harmon and Troy Cook.

A memorial service was held at 2:00 PM Sunday, January 3, 2016 in the Old Fashioned Baptist Church with the Rev. Hoyt Brown officiating.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.