John Thomas Tilton

John Thomas Tilton, July 10, 1947 - July 13, 2025, after an extended illness, gained his heavenly wings at his Wilson home, surrounded by loved ones.

John is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Brenda Harrell Tilton and grandson, Thomas Tilton Evans. They are comforted knowing he joined his daughter, Tonya Tilton Evans, in heaven.

John was born in Wayne County graduating salutatorian from North Duplin High School, Class of 1965. A Morehead Scholar Nominee, he attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and East Carolina University. He was a graduate of the North Carolina Bankers Association School of Banking.

A career banker, for many years with First Citizens Bank, John served communities in Kinston, New Bern, Swansboro, Clinton and Hendersonville before joining The Heritage Bank in Lucama as President and Chief Executive Officer until retirement.

His joy was the love for his family and the special bond with his grandson, Tilton. He loved beach music, golf, travel and serving on boards and in organizations in the communities where he and Brenda lived. These included the boards of Wilson Medical Center, The North Carolina Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the North Carolina Bankers Association.

His funeral service, officiated by Rev. Charles Robl will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. Interment will be a private service for the family in Evergreen Memorial Park, Wilson.

The family will receive friends, Wednesday evening, July 16, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson.

Brenda and Tilton are especially grateful to John’s caregivers, Felsuia (Fe) Edwards, Sarai Coleman, Robin Peppers, Shirley Langley and Brenda Wells.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be directed to the North Carolina Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 343 East Six Forks Road, Suite 120, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609.

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