Helen Hyde Davis

ROCKY MOUNT – Helen Hyde Davis, age 96, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026.  Born in Nash County, NC on June 8, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Charlie Robert Hyde and Maggie Thomas Hyde.  She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Johnie E. Davis; her brothers, Wilbur Hyde and Hubert Hyde; and her sisters, Dorthene Rackley and Leola Joyner.

Helen and Johnie enjoyed many happy times including the local minor league baseball club.  They spent many years traveling with the local senior travel club, enjoying going to all 50 states and parts of Europe.  Mom’s special place was in her rocking chair at the family’s lake house enjoying family and friends.

A great southern lady and hostess, Helen was known for her fabulous cakes.  With a fine sense of style, she worked several years with Belk’s Junior Department.  Helen and Johnie’s home was always open to friends and even strangers in time of need.

Helen was a former member of Union Missionary Baptist Church where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School and especially singing in the choir.  Later she became a member of Southside Baptist Church.  In her final years she was a member of Mt. Zion Free Will Baptist Church where she enjoyed being involved with their women’s auxiliary group.

Helen also enjoyed her time she spent with Warnell Joyner.  Both Warnell and his wife Marie were longtime friends.  She and Dad enjoyed Marie’s great cake at their 50^th wedding anniversary.  Daddy decided to invite the entire community.  What an exciting day for one and all.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Deb “Bunny” Davis of Atlanta, GA and Valerie “Jo Jo” Davis Manning (Steve) of Momeyer; her grandchildren, Sherri Wells (Scott) and Wayne Manning (Courtney); her great-grandchildren, Davis Manning, Charlotte Manning, Lauren Wells Pitts (Brandon), and Lindsey Wells; her great great-grandchildren, Olivia Pitts and Macy Pitts; her sisters, Weedie Hayes and Faye Farmer; and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Dr. Scott Gleason and Rev. Mark Manning officiating.  Visitation with the family will be from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

A Private Family Burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery.

A special thank you to Ms. Mary Hillard for the loving care she gave to our Mom, becoming a beloved member of our family.  Special friend, Betty Hopkins, was a bright light who called Mom her second Mom.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Helen’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.