Helen P. Pharis

Helen Pharis, 87, of Charleston, SC, formerly of Florence, SC, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, February 19, 2012, at her residence. A gentle soul who was loved by all, Helen lived life to the fullest and never said a harsh word about anybody. Born April 7, 1924 in Nanticoke, PA, she was the daughter of Joseph and Amelia Petroski. A homemaker, she enjoyed sewing, playing bridge, bowling, fishing, shrimping, crabbing, and Bingo. During World War II, she supported the war effort by serving as a welder in New York, where she met her husband, Ralph B. Pharis, a sailor in the United States Navy. Helen and Ralph were married for nearly 60 years when he passed away in 2003. While in Florence, she was a member of First Baptist church, and in Charleston, she was a member of Ashley River Baptist Church. Helen is survived by her daughter, Barbara Burns and husband Melvin of Florence, SC, 2 grandchildren, Leslie Burns of Charleston, SC, Brad Burns and wife Lyndsey of Summerville, 2 great-grandchildren, Ainsley and Walker Burns, 2 sisters, Stella Stachyra of Nanticoke, PA, and Florence Hocken of Levittown, PA, and a sister-in-law, Mary Lou Green of Jacksonville, FL, as well as a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Diane Pharis, and her brother Henry Petroski. The relatives and friends of Helen Pharis are invited to attend her graveside funeral service at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Florence, SC at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, February 22. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pet Helpers of Charleston, 1447 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412. A memorial message may be written to the family at www.jamesamcalister.com. JAMES A. McALISTER Funerals and Cremation, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 843-766-1365.