Helen S. Cahoon, December 31, 1956 – September 3, 2026

Helen Sears Cahoon, age 69, a resident of Swan Quarter, passed away Saturday, October 3rd, 2026.

She was born to the late Napoleon Forest Sears, Jr and Helen Newton Sears on December 31, 1956, in Mecklenburg County, NC.

Helen had a passion for life, and she most enjoyed socializing with her family and friends. She began working at a young age at her father’s beloved community grocery store, Forest Jr., a staple in the Sladesville community. She attended the Pungo Christian Academy, where she met the love of her life, Rory Alan Cahoon.

Helen and Rory were blessed with the gift of a son, Lane Alan Cahoon, and later a daughter, Julia Paige Cahoon. While Helen served as a homemaker for her family, she also worked as a butcher at Clover Farm in Swan Quarter and as a bookkeeper at Captain Neil’s Seafood in Engelhard. Later, she worked as a cashier at Speedy Tunnel’s Store at the foot of Lake Mattamuskeet Road. She greatly enjoyed greeting and talking to community members and other customers.

Along with her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her sisters, Myra S. Mutchler, Gwen S. Cahoon. She is survived by a sister, Jill S. Tunnel, and two half-sisters: Paulette Sears and Charlotte Sears.

Her family and friends will always remember her as a strong-willed and feisty lady. Helen greatly enjoyed entertaining. She was a beautiful lady with a tenacious spirit. Her family best remembers her delicious meals she served at their farmhouse table and the cherished memories of family time spent fishing out of Swan Quarter and on family beach days on the Intercoastal.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.