Helen Edwards Abbott

HENDERSON- Helen Mae Edwards Abbott, 88, of Rock Mill Road, died Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at her home. Born May 15, 1935 in Warren County, she was the daughter of the late Jodie Mosley Edwards and Willie Joe Edwards and was the widow of Morris Rowland Abbott, Sr. Helen was a founding member of Unity Baptist Church and was known as the “Mother of the Church.” She proudly served her community as Notary Public for more than 50 years. A graveside funeral service will be held Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Sunset Gardens by Rev. Calvin Hedgepeth. She is survived by two sons, Morris R. “Sam” Abbott, Jr. and wife, Kathy and Marcus Abbott of Henderson; her daughter, Olivia A. Gresham and husband, Steve of Henderson; four grandchildren, Jason Abbott, Joanna Nies, Christian Coghill and Camden Gresham; and two great grandchildren, Karley Nies and John Abbott. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Christine Askew and Emily Edwards; three brothers, Willie “Bud” Edwards, Bob Edwards and Jim Edwards. The family will receive friends following the service on Thursday at Sunset Gardens. In lieu of food and flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Unity Baptist Church, C/O Kathy Abbott, 310 Rock Mill Road, Henderson, NC 27537.