The current active US 117-A was born in 1990 as a replacement for mainline US 117 through Dudley and a renumbering of US 117 Business through Mount Olive. This is the 3rd US 117-A.
US 117-A hasn't had any changes and follows much of original NC 40.

US 117 Business in Mount Olive 1962 Wayne County

US 117-A through Mount Olive and Dudley too 1990 Official

Now a chronological look at decommissioned US 117-A routes:

The 1st US 117-A appeared around 1952 when US 117 was given its bypass of Goldsboro. Note that as late as 1949 mainline US 117 was using Chestnut/Center Sts to get from George St to Ash St, but the 1953 Wayne COunty map shows direct George to Ash, which means 117-A might have been a reunmbering of NC 102-A there.
In 1960, US 117-A became US 117 Business.

US 117 through Goldsboro 1938 Wayne County

US 117-A through Goldsboro 1957 Wayne County

US 117 Business through Goldsboro 1962 Wayne County

The 2nd US 117-A was created about 1953 when US 117 was given its bypass of Burgaw.
In 1960, US 117-A was renumbered as US 117 Business.

US 117 through Burgaw 1949 Pender County

US 117-A through Burgaw 1953 Pender County

US 117 Business through Burgaw 1962 Pender County

The 4th US 117-A was born in Sept 2006 (NCDOT), when US 117 was placed onto new freeway between Goldsboro and US 264. US 117-A followed US 301 and US 264 west to the US 117 (now I-795) freeway.
In April 2009 (NCDOT), US 117 was removed from the freeway routings and replaced US 117-A.

US 117 north of Goldsboro 2003 Official

US 117-A north of Goldsboro 2007 Official

US 117 replaces US 117-A 2009 Official