Helen Liles Haywood

Helen Liles Haywood, 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at her residence.

A funeral service will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Troy, officiated by Pastor Nick Allen and Dr. Dwight Croy. Burial will follow at Haywood Family Cemetery in Mt. Gilead. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall one hour prior to the service in the church.

Born November 12, 1931, in Montgomery County, she was a daughter of the late Charlie and Emma Gardner Liles. A devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Troy, Helen's faith was a cornerstone of her life. Helen's appreciation for the simple joys of life was evident to all who knew her. She found great pleasure in the outdoors, whether tending to her garden or feeling the sand between her toes during family trips to the beach. These moments were not merely pastimes but opportunities to bond, create memories, and instill a love for nature's beauty in the hearts of her family.

Before retiring, Helen proudly served the Montgomery County School Food Service for over 20 years. Her commitment to nourishment went beyond the cafeteria, as she was well-known for her culinary talents, particularly her skills in baking and cooking, which she lovingly shared with all who entered her home.

She is survived by her sons, Dudley Haywood (Pam) and Jeff Haywood, both of Mt. Gilead; daughter, Shelby H. Rush of Mt. Gilead; brother, Robert Liles (Cindy) of Troy; daughter-in-law, Jo Haywood of Mt. Gilead; eight grandchildren; her bonus grandson, Brandon Baker; and fifteen great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, G.A. Haywood; son, Mike Haywood, several of her brothers and sisters, and three great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Haywood Family Cemetery Fund, c/o Trudy Saunders, 486 Blake Loop Rd., Mt. Gilead, NC 27306, or Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 N 1st St, Albemarle, NC 28001, or the First Baptist Church, 401 E Main St, Troy, NC 27371.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service is assisting the Haywood family.

Haywood Family Cemetery Fund c/o Trudy Saunders
486 Blake Loop Rd., Mt. Gilead NC 27306

Tillery Compassionate Care
960 N. 1st St., Albemarle NC 28001

First Baptist Church of Troy
401 E. Main St., Troy NC 27371