Wells Funeral Home

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RITA FRANCES HELITON

November 26, 1945 - June 17, 2026

Text:

Obituary For RITA FRANCES HELITON

Service

Saturday, June 27, 2027

12 Noon

Shiloh Baptist Church

Rev. Clarence Hightower, Pastor

Visitation

Friday, June 26, 2026

Shiloh Baptist Church

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Burial

Lakeview Cemetery

Rita F. Taylor-Heliton gained her heavenly wings on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Hospice of Wichita Falls, Texas.

On November 26, 1945, a soft cry of a little princess was heard by loving parents, Lois and Rueben Taylor of Sherman, TX as the doctor delivered the birth of a healthy baby daughter. Rita grew up and attended school and graduated from Fred Douglas High School in 1964. During her academic career, she participated in the Fred Douglas Choir. As a senior in high school, she used her incredible vocal talent to entertain her peers during a Homecoming Celebration, ”Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.” After graduating high school, she was employed by Texas Instruments until she met and married TSGT James T. Heliton, in June of 1967. Three years later, the lovely couple welcomed a healthy baby boy, James T. Heliton, Jr., her pride and joy!

Rita accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age where she was a faithful member of Harmony Baptist Church. She participated in the youth activities and National Congressional Baptist Church Associations. As an adult, she became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Wichita Falls, TX. Her calling as a child of God allowed her to serve as the Church Clerk, Sunday School Secretary, a Missionary Board Member and a devoted member of the church choir. Rita was gainfully employed by Howmet Aerospace in Wichita Falls for 25 years and retired in May of 2014.

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 6:16 p.m., Rita heard the archangel call her to her heavenly home. She was welcomed by our Heavenly Father to a place of peace; no more pain, no sorrow, or no tears.

She was preceded in death by Rueben Taylor and Lois Marie Taylor, (parents); brothers, Rueben Jackson Taylor (Mattie), Raymond Taylor, Sr. (Ruth), Alvin James Taylor (Louise), Samuel George Taylor, Anthony Taylor, and Allen Taylor (Regina); sister, Carolyn Sue Parnell and brother in law, Donald Fontenot Sr.

Rita leaves to cherish her memories, a loving dedicated son, James T. Heliton, Jr.; four loving sisters, Delois Smith (William), Sandra Fontenot, Sara Goodman (Larry), Eartha Linson (Curtis); a loving brother, Arthur Lee Taylor; sister in laws, Julia Taylor and Patricia Taylor; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives, and friends.

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Condolences

  • June 27, 2026

    Cheryl Eggins-Jordan

    James, my deepest heartfelt sympathy to you. Im sending my love across the miles. May God grant you peace and serenity. Love you Bruh.

  • June 24, 2026

    Arthur and Tammy Taylor

    Your home, your presence and accepting love is something that is a precious memory to me. I love you and miss you, but celebrate with you as you rejoice with all our family that has gone on before us.

  • June 24, 2026

    Mary Jordan Johnson

    James and family so sorry for your loss.Praying for all.

  • June 23, 2026

    James Theodore Heliton Jr

    Mother, You have been my rock for 55 years, and I am eternally grateful to God for allowing you to be my mother. Throughout my life, you taught me countless lessons, but some of the most meaningful came during the final chapter of your journey. Even then, you continued to teach me, guiding me through every step and helping me prepare for your homegoing celebration. Thank you, Mom, for being the best mother you could be. In my eyes, you were and always will be the best mom ever. Your love, strength, wisdom, and faith have shaped the person I am today, and for that I will be forever thankful. Though my heart aches because I miss you so much, I find comfort in knowing that you are at peace and resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior. Your legacy will live on through every lesson you taught, every prayer you prayed, and every life you touched. I love you, Mom. I miss you more than words can express, and I will carry you in my heart forever. "Her children rise up and call her blessed..." — Proverbs 31:28 ❤️ Forever your son.

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