Obituary: Helen Dawson Creech Newell
Helen Dawson Creech Newell
October 15, 1937 – June 8, 2025
Helen Dawson Creech Newell, 87, passed away on June 8, 2025. Helen was born to Dr. and Mrs. James Nelson Dawson on October 15, 1937. She is survived by her devoted daughter Beth, her beloved sister Jane, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who held a special place in her heart.
A lifelong educator, Helen dedicated her career to teaching and guiding the youth of North Carolina. She began her professional journey in LaGrange, NC, where she lived with her first husband, Cleve Creech, for over thirty years. Together, they raised two daughters, and Helen taught in local elementary schools, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. (In Mom’s last year or so she lived mainly in LaGrange in her mind. When she said she wanted to go home she meant Rt.1, Box 73-A, La Grange)
In the later years of her life, Helen found love again with Gary Newell, a charismatic Virginian and fellow educator. The two shared another vibrant three decades together, living in Manteo and Winterville, NC, where Helen served as principal at several elementary schools.
After retiring, Helen cared lovingly for her eldest daughter, Lee, who was quadriplegic, until her passing in 2005—just two months after Helen lost her ex-husband Cleve. Despite this profound grief, Helen continued to find joy in serving the Lord, spending time at home with Gary, and traveling with friends and family.
In 2014, Gary was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and the following year they moved to a continuing care facility in Fuquay-Varina. Gary passed away on January 1, 2020.
Helen experienced her first stroke in 2018 and was later diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2021. In early 2023, she moved to Friends Home Guilford in Greensboro to be closer to her daughter Beth. There, she received outstanding care from compassionate staff in a clean and welcoming environment—something the family deeply appreciated.
Helen suffered a major stroke in February 2025 and, on the morning of June 8, experienced a similar event and passed soon thereafter.
Helen will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to family, her deep compassion, her strength through hardship, and her lifelong commitment to education. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A celebration of Helen’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Rouse Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local animal shelter in Helen’s honor. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
