Helen Bannister (Courtesy)

Helen Lou Phillips Bannister, age 84, of Anderson, SC, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Hartwell Health and Rehabilitation.

Born December 23, 1941, in Honea Path, SC, she was the daughter of the late Harold Lamar Phillips and Essie Lou Gunnels Phillips. She was married for 64 years to her beloved husband, Dr. Wendell Ray Bannister until his death on March 17, 2026. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Lamar Phillips; sisters, Ruth Shaw (Bobby ) and Judy Bannister; sister-in-law, Judy Phillips; and stepfather, Wister Dale Fleming.

Helen was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Together with her husband Wendell, she was involved in ministry beginning in early adulthood. Her husband began his ministerial career in Hartwell, GA at Flat Shoals Baptist Church. They both had compassionate hearts and were led to begin a nursing home ministry at Hartwell Health and Rehabilitation where they often took their children and the church youth group to visit the residents. Both Helen and Wendell later became residents of the place they loved so much and where they both ended their journey together.

Helen loved serving in mission work and especially enjoyed working with youth and senior adults. She was the true definition of a woman of faith. In her spare time, she enjoyed shopping trips to Belk, cooking, spending time with family and visiting senior adult shut-ins from their church.

Left to cherish and honor her memory are her sons, Cam Bannister (Teresa) and Dale Bannister (Christi); grandchildren, Braden Bannister (Kelsie), Caitlyn Bannister (Kate), Jordan Bannister, Ethan Bannister, and Kerigan Bannister; great grandchildren, Orren and Stetson; brother, Bobby Phillips; sister-in-law, Rita Phillips; and brother-in-law, James Bannister.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 12:00-1:30 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm in the Chapel with Rev. Michael Kinard officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories in Belton.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to AIM, 1202 S. Murray Ave., Anderson, SC 29624, or Haven of Rest Ministries, 219 W. Whitner St., Anderson, SC 29624.

Courtesy of Coile and Hall Funeral Directors and Crematory of Hartwell.