Helen Lewis Shelton

Helen Lewis Shelton of Wilson passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. Interment to follow in Evergreen Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Joyner’s Funeral Home, Wilson.

Helen was born in Moyock, North Carolina to the late Alston Houston and Mabel Garrett Whitty. She grew up in Chocowinity, Pollocksville, and New Bern. Helen graduated from New Bern High School, then attended Woman’s College in Greensboro, and then Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, where she majored in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career in Wilson in 1955. She retired in 1993, having taught also in Cobb County, Georgia. Helen was a member of West Nash United Methodist Church, Wilson and a member of the Wilson Singles Limited Dancing Club.

She was married to Robert “Bob” Lewis of Wilson. In 1978, Helen married retired Lieutenant Colonial Lenward “Brooks” Ashley Shelton of Walstonburg.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Col. Lenward A. Shelton and her brother, Alton Houston Whitty, Jr.

She is survived by her son, Robert “Rob” Mack Lewis, Jr. and wife, Rev. Gloria Lightsey Lewis of Chapel Hill, sister, Reba Whitty Goodson and husband, Billy of Kansas, sister-in-law, Carol Whitty of O’Brien and her brothers, John K. Whitty of New Bern and Walton B. Whitty and wife, Jane of Swansboro.

The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks for the care, support and love that was given to Helen through Gentiva Hospice and especially her caregivers, Jacqueline Gardner, RN, Kayla Curatolo, RN and social worker, Shana Nicholson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a love offering in Helen’s memory to Gospel Assembly of Wilson, 802 Industrial Avenue NE, Wilson, North Carolina 27893, Binkley Baptist Church, c/o Business Manager, 1712 Willow Drive, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514 or Gentiva Hospice, 2841 Daisy Lane N, Wilson, North Carolina 27896.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.