May 4, 2025, 82, Goldsboro —
Helen Byrd Jackson, 82, of Mount Olive, passed away unexpectedly at her home on May 4, 2025.
Born in Duplin County to the late Marshall and Virginia Chesnutt Byrd, Helen lived a life marked by faith, devotion to family, and service to her community. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert Lee Pate and William Dexter Jackson.
Helen is survived by her beloved children: Robin Pate-Edwards and husband Dennis of Goldsboro; Lee Pate and wife Joy of Faison; Keith Pate and friend Liesl Hill of Mount Olive; and William Luther Jackson of Mount Olive. She also leaves behind two brothers, Mitchell Byrd of Wilmington and Jimmy Byrd of Faison; sisters-in-law Jean Byrd of Mount Olive and Iris Pate; and a cherished group of grandchildren: Rylee Ward and husband Chase, Marshall Pate, Abbey O’Neal and husband Alex, Hunt Pate, Dex Jackson and wife Morgan, and Scarlett Jernigan and husband Jonathan. Her great-grandchildren—Eliza and Ever Jackson, and Almon Jernigan—were a constant source of joy.
Helen was preceded in death by her brothers Dallas Byrd, Stanley Byrd, and Kenneth Byrd; and sister-in-law Shirley Rudolph
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 7 at Faison Methodist Church at 2pm. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 12:30 until service time, and at other times at Mrs. Helen’s home. Burial will follow in the Maplewood Cemetery, Mount Olive.
A faithful and longtime member of Faison Methodist Church, Helen took great pride in helping care for the church grounds and decorating the sanctuary. She loved cooking and serving meals during church gatherings and was known for her generosity and warm hospitality. For many years, she worked in the cafeteria at North Duplin School, where her kindness touched the lives of students and staff alike.
A homemaker at heart, Helen found beauty in tending to her flowers, sharing meals with family, and being present in the lives of those she loved. Her steady presence and giving spirit will be missed deeply by all who knew her.
