Helen Sanders Howey

Helen Sanders Howey passed away on August 11, 2023, in Waynesville, North Carolina.

Helen was born on April 1, 1932, in Charlotte, NC to Edward Dudley and Helen Boykin Sanders.  Helen graduated from Charlotte Central High School in 1950.  She then graduated from St. Mary’s Junior College, in Raleigh, NC in 1952 and from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.  While at UNC she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.

Helen was married to George McCollum Howey on August 20, 1955, and they were married for 68 years until her death.  Mack and Helen moved to Waynesville in August 1955. 

Helen has been a member of Grace Church in the Mountains since 1955.  She was very active in Grace Church and in local area civic activities.

Besides her husband Mack, Helen is survived by her daughters Elizabeth Howey Pressley (Tom), Allison Howey Francis (Jay), as well as Allison’s children Hank and John Dudley Rayman (Elizabeth), and Helen Howey Brakebill (Jock), and their children, Jackson and Mack.

Helen is also survived by her sister, Tog Newman, and was predeceased by Tog’s husband, Michael Newman.  Helen was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Ralph Howey (Depee Howey).  She was also predeceased by her brother-in-law, Eddie Howey, who is survived by his wife, Libby Howey.  She is also survived by seven nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at Grace Church in the Mountains.  The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Helen’s honor to Grace Church in the Mountains, 394 N. Haywood St. Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of Mrs. Howey has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.