Helen (Hendrix) Hale

Helen Hendrix Hale, of Athens, GA died in her home, surrounded by her family on January 8, 2017. Helen was 89 years old.

Helen was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, William Harvey Hale, Jr. She is survived by her three children, Karen H Hankins, William H Hale III, and Kathleen Hale, all of Athens. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kimberly Howard, Kathleen Towns, Jeremiah Hankins, William Hale IV, Virginia Clark, Claire Hale, and Crystal Starr, as well as four great grandchildren.

Helen was born in Greenville, SC on September 10, 1927 to James Henry Hendrix and Willie Freeman Hendrix. She had five sisters and two brothers. Helen married her high school sweetheart at the conclusion of World War II, when he returned from service. She followed his education to Furman and Florida State Universities, settling their family in Athens in 1962. Helen quickly became involved in the Baptist Student Union and First Baptist Church. Later Helen moved her church membership to St Gregory the Great Episcopal Church where she remained until her death. Helen was a quick wit and enjoyed a cozy circle of friends, but she devoted herself to her family. Helen, Bill, and Kathy traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. They also enjoyed theatre immensely, although the family often joked that Helen napped through some of the best performances ever staged in the southeast.

Helen passed away peacefully at home after a short illness. A celebration of her life is scheduled for 12 noon January 28 at St Gregory the Great Episcopal Church, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send a gift to St Gregory the Great and please bring a can of food to the service as a donation to the Northeast Georgia Food Bank.