Cynthia Kelly Helderman Harkrider

She grew up in Gaston County and graduated from Holbrook High School. She played clarinet in the marching band and a spirited majorette.

Cynthia had many talents and hobbies. She was an excellent seamstress and very meticulous with her work. She made quilts and shared her famous pound cakes and peanut butter candy with her family, friends and community.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Willis Harkrider, sons, Joseph Melton Kelly and wife, Lisa; Leonard Joel Kelly and wife Angie; daughter, Heather Margrace Kelly and companion, Mauro Mata; step children, Jason Harkrider and Anndrea Harkrider; grandchildren, Ashton Taylor Kelly, Richard Dylan Sexton, Jessica Lynn Kelly, Katelyn Grace Kelly, Hope Rene Sheppard, Steven Mitchell Sheppard and Valerie Colleen Wiatrek.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by brother, Joseph Andre Helderman.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, October 17, 2014 at Gaston Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service Friday at Carothers Funeral Home from 12:30 to 1:30 pm.

Arrangements are in the care of Carothers Funeral Home, 312 W. 2nd Ave., Gastonia, NC.

On-line condolences may be placed at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.