Martha Helton

Martha Prince Helton of Morganton passed away in her home October 20, 2022.

Martha was born July 3, 1931, in Kite, Georgia, to the late Lester C. Prince and Nancy Harrison Prince.

Martha was preceded in death by brothers, James Earl and E.L. Prince; sisters, Forrestine Brookshire, Juanita Scarborough, Agnes Parris, Jean Moore, and twin sister, Mary Parker.

Mrs. Helton was a retired elementary educator of over 30 years. Prior to her declining health, she was an active member of Temple Baptist Church. She and her sister taught the young children’s class for years, she sang in the choir, and was a member of the Prime-Time Choir of McCaysville.  Her love for children was evident in her many years of service to public education and children’s ministry. She always wanted to make sure that you never left her home hungry.

Survivors include sons, Chuck (Linda) Gilreath of Loudon County, Tennesse, and Greg Gilreath of Morganton; grandchildren, Adam (Angela) Gilreath of Florida, Grant Gilreath of Southeast Asia, Jillene Gilreath of Morganton and Katelan Gilreath of Morganton; great grandchildren, Hunter Gilreath, River Gilreath and Brynn Gilreath of Florida; and special caregivers, Tammy Payne, Peggy Edwards, and Marylyn Dockery.

The family received friends from 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at Cochran Funeral Home in Blue Ridge. Family and friends will meet at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at the Morganton Baptist Cemetery for a graveside service to be conducted by the Reverend Paul Adams. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Martha or your condolences with the family at her online memorial.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Martha’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital 800805-5856 www.stjude.org/donate.

Cochran Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Martha Jane Helton.

You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.