Jefferson Helms Obituary

Dr. Jefferson Bivins Helms, Jr.

July 3, 1935 - March 17, 2026

Dr. Jefferson Bivins Helms, Jr., 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 17, 2026. Jeff was born on July 3, 1935 to Dr. and Mrs. Jefferson Bivins Helms, Sr. in Morganton, N.C. He often shared fond memories of his childhood growing up with three younger brothers. Jeff graduated from the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tenn. He then graduated cum laude from Wake Forest University, where he met and married the love of his life, Edna Freemon. As loyal Wake Forest fans, Jeff and Edna found great joy in cheering on the Deacs with family and friends.

After graduating from Bowman Gray School of Medicine in 1962, he joined the U.S. Navy and started his internship at the Bethesda National Medical Center. He then moved to Charleston, S.C. where he served as the Medical Officer on the USS Howard W. Gilmore. In his words, "Edna and I loved the US Navy, and we were so proud to be a part of the service." After being honorably discharged, he returned to Winston-Salem to complete his residency at NC Baptist Hospital. He founded Forsyth Internal Medicine with Dr. Ray Newsome and Dr. William McCall, later joined by Dr. Elms Allen. Jeff cherished the relationships developed with patients and coworkers over the years. He held numerous leadership and service roles throughout his medical career. He was actively involved in professional organizations, including the Forsyth County Medical Society, the North Carolina Society of Internal Medicine, the Forsyth County Heart Association, and the American College of Physicians. He enjoyed serving as an Assistant Professor of Medicine for twelve years.

Jeff was blessed to share more than 60 years of marriage with dear Edna. They enjoyed traveling together, both stateside and around the world. His greatest act of love and devotion was caring for Edna at home after she developed Alzheimer's disease, ensuring she remained in the place she loved most for as long as possible. He was a man of discipline and determination, prioritizing the importance of exercise, good nutrition, and lifelong learning. He treasured time spent with family at Sunset Beach, Lake Norman, and Sugar Mountain, and he especially loved skiing in Big Sky, Mont. He found joy in the outdoors and loved playing golf and croquet with close friends. He was a devoted member of Centenary United Methodist Church and enjoyed participating in medical mission trips to Honduras. Most recently, he enjoyed the worship services at Arbor Acres.

Jeff was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Edna; his parents; brothers, Tom Helms and James Helms; sister-in-law Vickie Helms; grandson, Michael McCall; and nephew, John Helms. He is survived by his four children, Betsy McCall (Mike) of Hillsborough, Calif., Kathy Stockton (Hill) and Tricia Keiser (Kris) of Winston-Salem, and Jeff Helms (Margie) of Big Sky, Mont. He was adored by his grandchildren, Emily Mills (Andrew), Abby McCall, Tom McCall (Mikayla), Katie Stockton, Richard Stockton, Elizabeth Rollins (Judd), Kristopher Keiser (Sarah), Mary-Freemon Sullivan (Willie), Sarah Beaman (Cameron), George Helms, and William Helms; as well as five great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Margaret Keiser, Ted and Louise Sullivan, and Clay Mills. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Helms (Victoria); brother-in-law, Wally Freemon (Lou); and sisters-in-law, Anita Helms and Ann Almond, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family extends gratitude to the nurses and doctors at the Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, to his loyal caregiver and friend, Uche, and to the Arbor Acres community. We are grateful for Debbie Dosek, his thoughtful companion, who brought great joy in the years following Edna's passing.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Centenary United Methodist Church with a reception in the auditorium following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Centenary United Methodist Church, PO Box 658, Winston-Salem, NC 27102; Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist with designation to the Jeff B. Helms, Jr., M.D. and Edna F. Helms Award Fund or to the Alzheimer's Research Initiatives Fund, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 571021, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1021; or to a charity of your choice. Condolences can be shared online at www.salemfh.com.

Salem Funeral & Cremation Service

2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106