Helen Hope Edwards Propst

Helen Hope Edwards Propst SUMTER - Helen Hope Edwards Propst, wife of Dr. Charles R. "Pap" Propst, died August 28, 2014 at her home. The daughter of the late Dr. Warren Stevens Edwards and Inez Norton Edwards, Helen was born in Eclectic, Alabama, moved to Montgomery and later settled in Auburn, which they all considered home. Throughout her life, Helen's kindness and generosity of spirit touched all who knew her. She was a graduate of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Ga. and did post graduate work at Auburn University where she also taught as a professor's assistant. She later completed work in gerontology at The University of South Carolina as she had deep concern and empathy for others as they began to face their later years. Nowhere was this concern more evident than in caring for her parents and other relatives. Following her time at Auburn University, she moved to Philadelphia where she worked as an editor and part-time reporter for Curtis Publishing and its Ladies Home Journal periodical. She was well-served by her grammatical skills which was obvious as she continued to constructively correct loved ones when necessary for as long as she lived. It was in Philadelphia that she met her future husband and the two of them just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past May. Helen was an active member of First Presbyterian Church where she served in numerous leadership capacities including Deacon and Elder. She was also a past president of the Women of the Church and was named an Honorary Life Member. Her first love was being in the First Presbyterian Choir where she remained an active participant up until the past few years. She was a devoted mother and wife and was also active in the community. She was a past president of the Junior Welfare League. She was a firm supporter of the public schools and was instrumental in implementing an art program within Sumter School District #17. Continuing her interest in and compassion for the aging citizens of the community, she was involved in the early development of Covenant Place and was also a co-founder of Shepherd's Center. She was also a past board member of Solomon's Home. Selected by Governor Dick Riley, she represented South Carolina at the National Conference on Aging in Washington, DC. Her best efforts were directed towards taking care of family and working quietly in the background thus allowing others to be more actively involved in the community. She greeted all newcomers with a welcoming smile and a helping hand and made sure they knew they had a friend. She loved to entertain and some of her best times were spent gathered around her dining room table with friends and family. Surviving are her husband of Sumter and three children: Charles Sims Propst and his wife, Anne, of Greenville, SC; Barbara Propst Spell and her husband, David, of Sullivan's Island, SC; and, Warren Edwards Propst and his wife, Donna, of Columbia, SC. She is also survived by a sister, Dr. Nancy Claire Edwards, of Charlotte, NC and seven grandchildren - Charles (Chad) Sims Propst, Jr. and his wife, Jess, Martha Riviere Propst, Helen Caldwell Spell, Celia Smoak Spell, Charles Robert Propst, II, James Dendy Propst and Edwin Caldwell Propst. Memorial Service will be held Sunday, August 31, at 3:00 at the First Presbyterian Church in Sumter with the Rev. Dr. Mark Durrett and Rev. Ray Fancher officiating. The family would like to thank Caris Hospice and Visiting Angels of Sumter for the wonderful care and attention they provided over the past few months. There will be a private burial in the Sumter Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home located at 30 Buford Street in Sumter. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church Choir Fund, 9 W. Calhoun Street, Sumter, SC 29150 or to the Inez Norton Edwards Scholarship Fund at Agnes Scott College, 141 E. College Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.