Helen “Mimi” Mae Smith Royster



Helen “Mimi” Mae Smith Royster age 93, died Sunday December 15, 2013 at Caromont in Gastonia. Born in Cleveland County on November 18, 1920 she was the daughter of the late Robert and Annie Mae Hord Smith.  Helen previously attended Eastside Baptist Church and was a former president of the Daughters of the Confederacy.  Helen enjoyed researching her family genealogy and she dedicated her life to her family and children.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Jim Royster Sr.; a brother, Odell Smith; a sister, Margaret McClain; two daughters, Vicki R. Denton and Janice Ann McCluney; and a grandchild, Michael Shea Royster.  

Helen is survived by a son, James Royster Jr. of Shelby; a daughter, Nancy Roeder and husband Steve of Chesapeake Va.; two sisters, Lucille Adams and husband Johnny and Dorothy “Deasie” Ewell both of Florida; seven grandchildren, Robin Starnes and husband Jason, Jessica Denton, Jennifer Denton, Blake Roeder, Blair Roeder, Nicole McCluney, and Christopher McCluney; Eleven great grandchildren; and a special niece, Carolyn Heavner.

The family would like to thank the staff of Gaston Place for all of the excellent care that they gave Helen while she lived there.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday December 21, 2013 at 12:00 pm in the Chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends an hour before the service from 11:00am until 12:00pm. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society, 1901Brunswick Avenue, Ste 100, Charlotte, NC 28207 or the American Heart Association, 222 South Church Street #303, Charlotte NC 28202.

 

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Royster.