January 12, 2024, 91, Princeton —

Hilda Worley Bedford, 91, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 12, 2024.

Hilda was born in Johnston County, NC on March 7, 1932, the only child of the late “Bill” Lester Lee Worley and the late Luria Capps Worley. She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents: John Rufus “Bob” Capps and Mary Woodard Capps also her paternal grandparents, Jessie “Pa” Worley and Mary (Mammy) Worley whose home-place still stands at 919 Baker’s Chapel Road.

She was a graduate of Princeton High School and was an active member of Praise Sanctuary in Princeton. She was a homemaker, kindergarten teacher, cub scout leader, and Sunday School teacher, and taught sewing classes to seamstresses across the Goldsboro area as owner-operator of Creative Sewing and Vacuum in Goldsboro. For over 40 years her work was also her passion, retiring at age 83. While managing Creative Sewing, she also worked as an educator for New Home Sewing Machine Company teaching sewing classes throughout the US.

Hilda is survived by her two sons, Kenneth D. Bedford, Jr. of Emerald Isle, NC (Sue) and Johnny Lester Bedford of Tasmania, Australia; Grandson, Lee M. Bedford of Duncan, SC (Brandee) and two great-granddaughters Aubree and Adlee. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her close double first cousins, Billy Wayne Worley (Grace) and Marion Eugene Worley (Linda), whom she loved like brothers. She is also survived by her extended Worley family of many cousins that she loved dearly along with her friend and caregiver, Barbara Williams.

As Hilda battled dementia for the last several years, she blessed us all so much as we witnessed her sweet spirit, love for the Lord, and zest for life. Our family is grateful for the people who have loved and cared for Hilda in her journey in these last several years. What Hilda enjoyed the most was singing praises to Him until He came to take her home. Every step of her journey, Hilda remained joyful, and thankful, and was always “ready to go somewhere.”

A service to celebrate Hilda’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 15 at Hephzibah Baptist Church; 4633 US Hwy 70 E Princeton, NC 27569. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be in the hour prior to the service from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to

Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.