Helen Tillinghast McNeill

Helen Tillinghast McNeill, 95, of Wilmington, NC, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Norwood and Mamie Coit Tillinghast; her husband, Robert Matheson McNeill; her brother, Norwood Tillinghast; her sister, Mary Coit Tillinghast; her beloved uncle, Robert, and aunt, Faye Coit; and her cousin, Daniel Coit. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters, Margaret and her husband, Carl Holler, and Robbie and her husband, Philip Johnson; grandchildren, John Robert and Kathryn Holler, Adlai Holler, Elizabeth and Vance Wenn, and Lily and Collin Carver; as well as her seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Born in Fayetteville, NC, on April 15, 1929, Helen was raised in Mississippi, where she graduated from high school. She loved the marching band and basketball. She later returned to North Carolina to attend Flora McDonald College, graduating with a degree in Christian Education. She spent many years in West Virginia and Lumberton, working with the youth of the church. She earned her elementary teaching degree at Queens College and taught in Charlotte, Fayetteville, and Pope AFB before retiring from the Ft. Bragg school system.

Upon retirement, she traveled and enjoyed visiting family and friends across the country. Her daughters and grandchildren were her greatest joy. She spent her golden years in Wilmington, NC, in a retirement community, where she enjoyed various activities, especially dancing, music, and Scrabble.

A memorial service will be held at MacPherson Presbyterian Church at 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025, followed by a graveside service in the church cemetery. There will be a gathering before the service in the church parlor at 11 a.m.

Donations may be sent to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401, or to MacPherson Presbyterian Church, 3525 Cliffdale Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28303.

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