Helen Cummings Obituary

Helen Carol Jolly Cummings, 78, of Hope Mills, North Carolina, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

Helen was born June 14, 1947, in Cumberland County, NC to the last Oliver and Daisy Jolly. She graduated from Massey Hill High School and grew up in Hope Mills.

She lived her adult life in Arden, NC where she created her life. She worked for the Buncombe County school system before starting a successful business with her husband that they ran together for many years. She was a devoted wife and mother.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rick; brother and sister-in-law, Charles (Buddy) and Lois Jolly; and sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Earl Willard.

She is survived by her three sons, Todd, Will and wife Stella, and Mark. As well as her nieces, Penny Rittenhouse and husband Tom, Tammy Willard, and the late Kim Brown; nephews, Earl Willard, Jr., Steven (Duke) Willard, and the late Michael Willard; great nieces and nephews; and great great nieces and nephews.

She was a woman of deep faith, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for her family. Helen found joy in simple moments, believed in the power of kindness, and she lived life to the fullest. Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.