HELEN BANKS BRUNER

Helen Banks Bruner, 88, wife of Dr. Allan Preston Bruner III, died on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, at Morningside of Sumter.

She was born on July 20, 1932, to Kathryn Woodside Banks and David Houser Banks of St. Matthews. Helen was devoted to family and was a gracious and loving mother to four children, seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was affectionately known as "Honey."

She is survived by her husband of Sumter; her surviving children, Kathryn "Trina" Stone (David) of Arlington, Texas, Stephen Bruner of St. Matthews and Marian Burns (Charlie) of Sumter; a sister-in-law, Nancy Banks of Lexington; grandchildren, Sarah Bowers (Joel) of Columbia, Allan Stone (Nicole) of Long Beach, California, Preston Stone (Erin) of Aledo, Texas, Rowland Burns (Laura) of Columbia, Kathryn Stone of Arlington, Rebecca Jenkins (Blake) of Birmingham, Alabama, and Banks Burns of Clemson; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her firstborn son, Allan (Preston) Bruner IV; two brothers, David Houser Banks II and Arthur James Banks; and a sister-in-law, Marthana B. Phillips.

Helen graduated valedictorian from St. Matthews High School in 1950. She attended Columbia College and graduated magna cum laude with a double major in biology and chemistry. She attended the Medical University of South Carolina and earned a degree and certification in medical technology. She used this degree in the lab at MUSC while her husband completed medical school and later in his family practice in Sumter.

Helen was a longtime member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and the Wesley Fellowship Sunday School class, where she served in many capacities. Her love of music and gifted singing voice ministered to many. She served on the Sumter-Lee-Clarendon Medical Auxiliary, Sumter Junior Welfare League, Sumter Art Association and various garden clubs. She grew hybrid tea roses and delighted many a wedding, recital or party with her beautifully arranged flowers.

Helen loved animals. She was an expert at teaching and training her dogs and rode regally in the saddle of her beloved Tennessee Walking Horses.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude for the patient and dedicated care of the Morningside staff, the constant cards of encouragement and love from members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and many friends.

Helen said many times over the past months, "I'm ready to go home."

"For our citizenship is in heaven for which also we eagerly await for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." Philippians 3:20-21

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at West End Cemetery, St. Matthews, with the Rev. Blake Jenkins and the Rev. David Day officiating.

Pallbearers will be Allan F. Stone, Preston B. Stone, C. Rowland Burns, R. Banks Burns and Joel Bowers.

Memorials may be sent to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 211 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC 29150; to Sumter United Ministries, P.O. Box 1017, Sumter, SC 29151; or to the National Christian Foundation, 8214 Westchester Drive, Suite 950, Dallas, TX 75225 - #1152932 on memo line.

Online condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.