NEWTON, N.C. - Kayleigh Grace Helton, 13, of Newton, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Texas Children’s Hospital in Austin, Texas.

Thirteen years. Not nearly enough time with her, yet in those 13 years the flawless uniqueness of His creation was revealed. The perfect mix of sweet and sassy, with a contagious laugh and impossibly long eyelashes; she was pure innocence and fierce love. Born with an extra measure of courage and strength, she quickly became our hero. Although her soul breathed its last "Yah-weh" we are able to love her forward through stewarding her wish to be an organ donor. Parts of her will remain on this earth with us, giving life. Abundant life. Her memory will never be forgotten, her impact on those blessed enough to have known her is quite profound. We are beyond grateful she was ours.

She was born February 13, 2011 in Catawba County and adopted by John and Kara Houston Helton of Newton. Kayleigh attended Woodlawn Baptist Church in Conover and was an eighth-grade student.

Those left to cherish her memory are her father and mother John and Kara Houston Helton of the home; brother Gray Helton of the home; paternal grandparents Paul and Debbie Helton; maternal grandparents Darrell and Sandy Houston; paternal great-grandmother Delma Turner; aunts, uncles, and cousins Josh, April, Garrett, and Morgan Crafton; Matthew, Meghan, Jacob, Samuel, Jude, and Abel Helton/

A service to celebrate Kayleigh’s life was held on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 4 p.m. at Woodlawn Baptist Church in Conover. Rev. Dr. Tim Jernigan, Rev. Tanner Schantz, and Mrs. Darrilyn Schantz officiated. The family received friends following the service at Woodlawn Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to Carolina Caring Cardinal Kids, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658; or to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Ongoing Research through the NIR Department of Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus, PO Box 300630, Houston, TX 77230-0630

Condolences may be sent to the Helton family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com

Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the Helton family.