Willie Ann Stitt Helton

Mrs.Willie Ann Stitt Helton 80 of Charlotte,NC.

On Tuesday June 14, 2016 surrounded by family Willie Ann Stitt Helton peacefully transitioned to her eternal home.  Willie Ann was born in Charlotte North Carolina on March 28, 1936.  She was preceded in death by her parents James and Anna Stitt, husband of 52 years Bishop Charles L. Helton, son Darius Charles Helton, sister Elinor Dean and father William Gillispie.

Public viewing will be from 6 – 7:30 PM on Monday June 20, 2016 at Long and Son Mortuary Services, 2312 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C.  On Tuesday June 21, 2016 the family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM followed by the funeral service at Parkwood Institutional CME Church, 802 Tom Hunter Road, Charlotte, NC. Interment will be at Sunset Memory Gardens.

Willie Ann graduated from JH Gunn High School in Charlotte, N.C.  She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood education from UNC in Chapel Hill, N.C.  As an educator, she held teaching positions in public school systems in Norwalk, Connecticut, Charlotte and Chapel Hill, N.C., Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia and East Cleveland, Ohio. After retiring from teaching, she and her husband became the owner of an assisted living facility in Charlotte.

Supporting her husband in his calling as a Minister and the 49^th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Willie Ann became a loving and devoted First Lady for many congregations.  She held various positions within the church and was a mentor to many young spouses.  Willie Ann was an elegant, charming and classy lady with a warm smile.

She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy, son, Donald Helton, daughters, Carol Helton, Charlene Buckner and devoted niece Robin Thompson; five grandchildren, Darius Helton (NaKeisha), Kellee Hicks (Marvin), Aja Buckner, Alex Buckner, and Matthew Helton; four great-grandchildren, Marley Helton, Kendall Hicks, Miles Hicks and Darius Helton Jr.; sisters, Marie Butler, Dr. Carleather Burwell (Bill), Carolyn Fuller (David) and Vivian Little; brother-in-law, Marvin Helton (Louise); sisters-in-law, Geraldine Clyburn (Bobby), Lena Pickens (William); special daughters, Patsy Lynch, Angela Helton, and a host of nieces, nephews, close relatives, church members and friends.