Barbourville, Ky. – Helen Caldwell McCreary, 76, of Bryants Store, Kentucky, passed away peacefully October 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on July 5, 1949, in Dewitt, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Stratton and Violet Grubb Caldwell. Helen grew up in Dewitt, where she built lifelong friendships and developed the strength, faith, and kindness that would define her entire life. She was of the Baptist faith and a dedicated member of Old Poplar Creek Baptist Church. In addition to creating and maintaining a loving home for her family, Helen worked 16 years as an ER registration clerk at the Knox County Hospital. Helen was an avid coin collector and, in her free time, she enjoyed shopping for jewelry.
Helen was the devoted wife of Jay McCreary, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and partnership. Together, they raised two children, Becky Peace (Chris) and Greg McCreary (Beth), who were her pride and joy. She was the cherished grandmother of Logan Hampton (Megan), Jayden McCreary (Ethan Strong), and Chesney Hampton, and the beloved great-grandmother of Peyton, Lynlee, Indie Jane, Georgia, and the late Raelynn Reed.
Helen is also survived by her siblings Larry Caldwell (Carol), Willie Caldwell (the late Nannie), Anne Fields (Gary), and Rosa Ratliff (David) as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and her treasured dogs Mimi and Daisy.
Helen will be remembered for her kind heart, generous spirit, and strong will. She devoted her life to her family-always putting others first-and created a home filled with love, laughter, and the smell of home cooked meals. To those who knew her, she was more than a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was the steady light of her family, the one who made everyone feel cared for and loved.
The McCreary family will receive friends at Hopper Funeral Home on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 11:00 AM until the funeral hour of 2:00 PM. Preacher Jamie Grubb will officiate, assisted by Teresa Brown. Interment will follow in the Mays Cemetery, at Bryants Store, Kentucky. Casket Bearers are Logan Hampton, Austin Abner, Darian Abner, Joe Garrison, Ethan Strong and Carter Brown. Honorary Casket Bearers are Dr. West and compassionate ARH Barbourville Hospital staff members.
The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, Mrs. Lorena Blankenship, Mr. Reid Brewer, Mr. Robin Reese, Ms. Quinlynn Chrisco, Mr. Steven Walker, Mr. Darren West, Ms. Nicole Collins, and Mrs. Brenda Johnson, express heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Helen Caldwell McCreary.
Hopper Funeral Home, established over a century ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Helen Caldwell McCreary.
