Benson, NC: Mrs. Helen Wood Hockaday, age 82, of Morgan Road passed away on Friday, August 7, 2026 at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, NC surrounded by her loving family. The family will receive friends from 2:00PM to 2:45PM on Monday, August 10, 2026 at the Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson. Funeral Services will be held at 3:00PM on Monday, August 10, 2026 at the Rose & Graham Funeral Home Chapel in Benson. Officiating will be Rev. Randy Beasley. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Benson.

Mrs. Hockaday was born on September 7, 1943 in Johnston County to the late John O. and Hettie “Turk” McLamb Wood. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. B. Hockaday; a son, Gary Hockaday; her granddaughter, Tristan Hockaday; and her brothers and sisters, Melvin “Teeny” Wood, Milliard Wood, Dorothy Allen, and Joe Bill Wood. Mrs. Hockaday worked for Block Industries and local sweet potatoes houses. She enjoyed quilting, baking, and canning. Mrs. Hockaday loved watching the world go by and was a keen observer of people.

Mrs. Hockaday is survived by her daughter, Judi Massengill; grandchildren, Brody Massengill and wife, Mary Beth, Gage Massengill and wife, Reagan, Colton Hockaday, Sean Wheeler, and Jamie Wheeler; great-grandchildren, Libby, Mary Margaret, Eloise, and Peyton; sister, Goldie Manshack and husband, Bill; brother, Stacy Wood and friend, Glenda; several loving nieces and nephews.

The Hockaday family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Liberty Commons Nursing Home and the SECU Hospice House for their care and compassion to Mrs. Hockaday.

Flowers are welcomed; however, contributions may be made to the SECU Hospice House, P.O. Box 1376, Smithfield, NC 27577.

The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers and will receive friends other times at the home of Judi Massengill.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson, NC.