Helyn R. Lofton, of Wilmington, North Carolina, peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. A Celebration of Life honoring Mrs. Lofton will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at St Stephen's AME Church, 501 Red Cross Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing and visitation on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St Stephen's AME Church. Interment will follow the funeral service at Pine Forest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in memory of Helyn R. Lofton to Pine Forest Cemetery (pineforestcemetery.org) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Helyn Rogers Lofton passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. She was born on August 12, 1938, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to the late Edward Rogers, Sr. and Josie Willis Rogers. The fifth of seven children, Helyn was raised with a deep appreciation for family, faith and tradition. Helyn attended Williston Industrial High School and graduated with the Class of 1955. During her high school years, she proudly served as a “High Stepper” majorette, marching alongside her brother Edward, who served as Drum Major. After graduating, Helyn married her high school sweetheart, James S. Lofton, and together they began raising a family while she pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. She attended the Community Hospital School of Nursing, where she distinguished herself as a member of the final graduating class and was named valedictorian in 1966. Helyn began her nursing career at Community Hospital, an institution that served Black citizens during the era of segregation. In 1967, when New Hanover Memorial Hospital—now known as Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center—opened its doors, Helyn was among the original nurses selected to help transfer patients and launch the new hospital. Her role marked a meaningful moment in Wilmington’s healthcare history. Her nursing career spanned more than three decades, until her retirement in 2000. Beginning as a staff nurse, she advanced into management and earned the respect of colleagues and patients as both a skilled clinician and a compassionate leader. Following her retirement, Helyn continued her advocacy through her appointment to the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees. Serving three terms, she was a tireless champion for nurses, patients, and equitable access to healthcare throughout the community. Helyn’s commitment to truth and justice extended beyond healthcare. In 2000, she was appointed to the 1898 Wilmington Race Riot Commission, contributing to the work that culminated in the landmark final report in 2006. Through this important effort, she helped educate the community about Wilmington’s history and ensured that the legacy of 1898 would be acknowledged, documented, and remembered for future generations. A devoted community volunteer, Helyn faithfully served students at Gregory Math and Science Magnet School and gave countless hours to the Community Boys & Girls Club, where she became affectionately known as “Grandma”—a testament to her love for children and her nurturing spirit. She also dedicated more than 40 years to Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, serving as an active parent and associate member committed to mentoring and uplifting African American youth. She was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church. Her life and legacy were defined by caring for others, and all who knew her understood the depth of that calling. In addition to her parents, Helyn was preceded in death by her siblings Willie Shaw, Edward Rogers, Jr., Gwendolyn Hall, Jean Miles, and Horace Rogers. Family was at the center of everything she did and her unwavering love and dedication would remain a lasting legacy for generations to come. Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 70 years, James S. Lofton; her three children, Wayne Lofton (Veverly), Wanda Lofton-Bryant (Sankey), and Wendy Lofton; four grandchildren, James Ryan “JR” Lofton, Alexandria Bryant, Jennifer Greene (Troey), and Brandon Bryant; two great-grandchildren, Ali Bryant and Noah Greene; her sister, Sandra Rogers Walker (Jimmy); and her godchildren, Armond Wilson, Jr. and Jasmine Pellom. She will also be lovingly remembered by her cousins, nieces, nephews, lifelong best friend “Kay Francis” Jackson, dear friend Emma Jackson, and many cherished friends and all whose lives she touched.