Helen Ruth Hendrix Creech Cartee

Helen Ruth Hendrix Creech Cartee, Ph.D., a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and respected teacher and education professional, passed away on December 27, 2023, at the age of 87.

Helen was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 16, 1936, to Hoy Hendrix and Ruth Goddard Hendrix. She is survived by her devoted husband Bobby Gene Cartee, her children John Theodore Creech (Rosa), and Teresa Creech Cox Morey (Mark), by her grandchildren Chelsea Rachel Cox Giles, John-Carlos Blase Creech (Tiffany), Griffin Theodore Creech, Caitlin Allie Cox, and Dylan Leigh Creech (Lauren), and by her great-grandchildren Scott Taylor Giles, Monroe Elizabeth Creech, and Weston Blase Creech. Upon her marriage to Bob in 1981, Helen also became a loving caregiver and supporter to Bob’s children, Pamela Lynn Mace (Terry), Donna Carole Pangle (Alan), Robyn Annette Ledford (Sam), Traci L. Perry (Jack), David Scott Cartee and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Helen resided for more than 50 years in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where she raised her children and made a fulfilling life with her devoted partner Bob. Helen’s personal life was filled with love for her family. She enjoyed genealogy, historical sites, trips to Ocean Isle Beach with her family, antiquing, traveling in their RV, her cat Ana, and organizing and administering the Oak Grove Baptist Church’s Cemetery. Helen loved knitting blankets, socks and other items, many of which she donated. It was a hobby she enjoyed to the very end.

Professionally, Helen had a passion for teaching and nurturing young people. Beginning in 1972 she served as a high school and technical college mathematics teacher at Dorman High School and Spartanburg Technical College, and later as an Assistant Principal at Dorman High School, and finally as the founding Director of the University School (Alternative School) for Spartanburg County. She earned degrees from Wake Forest University and the University of South Carolina, including a Ph.D. in Education Administration.

Family will receive friends from 12:30 pm until 1:45 pm on Saturday, January 6, 2024

at Hub City Church (formerly Oak Grove Baptist Church), 350 North Blackstock Road, Spartanburg.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm in the church, service will be conducted by the Rev. Rufus Chaneyworth. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.