Dawn Marie James Helms

Dawn Marie James Helms, a woman whose laughter could be heard echoing down the shores of Atlantic Beach and to the furthest corners of this country, passed away on March 1, 2024, at the age of 56, leaving behind a legacy of joy and creativity. Born on September 24, 1967, in Scranton, PA, Dawn's zest for life was as infectious as a viral cat video.

With a personality that could turn even the most mundane of days into a spontaneous party, Dawn spent her career in the hospitality industry, charming the socks off of patrons with her wit and warmth. She wasn't just slinging drinks and serving meals; she was serving up smiles and a side of unforgettable memories. If you were lucky enough to be on her bev cart's route at the golf course, you'd leave feeling like you'd just been part of the PGA tour, even if your golf game was more of a comedic sideshow.

Dawn was an all-star goalie in high school—her soccer team's secret weapon. Off the field, she channeled her energy into an array of artistic endeavors, from soulful paintings to quirky sculptures. Her creative spirit was as boundless as her love for dressing up for any and every occasion. Halloween had nothing on Dawn's daily flair for costume creativity.

Her daughters, Cassandra, Alyssa, and Savannah, were the center of her world. Dawn's love for them shone brighter than a lighthouse on a stormy night. And her family—Johanna Wasalinko (mother), Susan Wasalinko-Martone (aunt), Tim James (older brother) and Matt James (younger brother).. as well as her daughters family Nancy Helms (grandmother), Michael Helms (oldest 2 daughters father and ex-husband), Susan Broome Baskins (aunt), Mary Maegan Griffin (cousin), and Heather Blackwelder (cousin)—knew that life with Dawn was never short on light, laughter or surprise projects in the living room.

Walking on the beach, Dawn would scour the sand for sea shells, each one a potential centerpiece in her next artistic masterpiece. She was as excited about finding new recipes as most people are about finding money in their pockets. Trying out these culinary experiments on her friends and family was just another way for her to spread joy and probably a little bit of harmless mischief.

Dawn's spirit was loving, her mind creative, and her approach to life was nothing short of spirited. As the great comedian Robin Williams once said, "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." Dawn embraced her spark of madness, fanning it into a bonfire that warmed everyone around her.

As we bid farewell to the woman who made

every day feel like a festivity, let's remember Dawn not with sadness but with the laughter and love she would want us to. She's probably up there now, organizing the angels into a dance line or convincing St. Peter to let her redecorate the pearly gates. Dawn Marie James Helms, you were a one-of-a-kind soul, and

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net.

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home, Morehead City, NC.