Helen Elks Vinson

Helen Elks Vinson, 85, of Mt. Olive, NC peacefully went to be with her Lord on March 25th surrounded by her loved ones at Navion Assisted Living (formerly known as Brookdale) in Goldsboro.  

Helen was born in Wayne County on September 18, 1939, to Ellen and Tom Elks. She was married to Ronald Vinson for 53 years.  

She taught Home Economics at North Duplin High School in Faison, NC for 30 years. Helen was extremely active in her role as a teacher and advocate for her students. She served as a Future Homemaker of America advisor and was honored as a Master Advisor.  Helen also chaperoned her local chapter to district, state and national conventions. Her students were like her children, and she took great pride in their successes.  

As a member of Rones Chapel Church, she served on several committees, sang in the choir, was active in Vacation Bible School and was instrumental in purchasing a bus for the church. Helen planned numerous trips all over North and South Carolina and was also the driver on many of these trips. She was very active in their annual fundraiser and was known for her hushpuppy making skills. Her chocolate pies were always a hit at church dinners, and she was known for her handmade crafts that were used to decorate the church for different holidays. She also started a church group that crocheted prayer blankets that were distributed throughout the community to those in need.   

Helen is survived by six Godchildren: Jack Dixon Smith (Angelia), Cynthia Cuddington (Allen), Terrie Braxton (Donel), Jennifer Strickland (Billy), Marybeth Taylor (Ernie) and Stephen Holloman (Anita). She was blessed to have a wonderful friend of 50 years, Susan Baker, and a pen pal of over 70 years, Gail Webb. Helen loved to travel and did so with all of these very special people.  

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Navion who loved her like family and the nurses at Gentiva Hospice who provided compassionate care.  

A graveside service will be held Friday, March 29th, at 2pm at the Vinson Family Cemetery at 206 Vinwood Avenue in New Hope, NC with Reverand Wanda Simmons officiating.  

Flowers are welcome and memorials can be made to Rones Chapel Church Youth Ministries (Please put this in the memo line along with Helen’s name) – 133 Garner Chapel Church Road, Mount Olive, NC 28365.  

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