Helen June Mitchum

Helen June Thomas Mitchum, 85, wife of John Wesley Mitchum died peacefully at home on March 3, 2019. Born on March 13, 1933 in Anson County, she was the oldest child born to the late Lucy Virginia Goodman Thomas and Edwin Devotion Thomas. She graduated from Burnsville (Anson County) High School in 1951. 

Mrs. Mitchum and her family moved to Concord in 1963. She was a devoted member of Epworth United Methodist Church where she was an active member of the Epworth Sunday School class and Houck-Readling Circle for over 40 years. Mrs. Mitchum was a skilled bridge player and enjoyed hosting her bridge friends. 

Mrs. Mitchum was a renowned fiber artist who authored several basket patterns.  She was the owner and operator of Helen’s Basketry in downtown Mount Pleasant.  She taught classes for many years through Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. She was a charter member of the North Carolina Basket Makers Association.  Mrs. Mitchum was a member of the Dogwood Garden Club and also a longtime member of the The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary in Concord. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Mrs. Mitchum was predeceased by her sister Mary Frances Thomas Cullingford and two brothers, Edwin Devotion Thomas Jr and Winfred Alan Thomas. She is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, John. Also, surviving are her sons Robert Edwin “Eddie” Mitchum and his wife Louise Bynum Mitchum of Concord, and John “Johnny” Wesley Mitchum, Jr and his wife Judy Worthington Mitchum of Sneads Ferry. Survivors also include two grandchildren Kellie Mitchum Davis and her husband Jeremy of Littleton, NC and William “Bill” Long and his wife Leigh of Beaufort, NC. Two great grandchildren also survive Mrs. Mitchum: Adelaide Mitchum Davis and Radford Thomas Davis. Several nieces and nephews also survive Mrs. Mitchum.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Mitchum will be conducted at Epworth United Methodist Church on Tuesday, March 5 at 2 p.m. with Reverend Sonny Reavis officiating. The family will greet friends at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.   A private burial will precede the service at Fountain Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church, 1030 Burrage Road, NE Concord NC 28025 or to Fountain Hill Cemetery Fund, 9528 Highway 218 East, Peachland, NC 28133.