Nancy Lee Tate Hellams

Nancy Lee Tate Hellams of Westminster Drive in Pendleton SC died Thursday, September 11, 2025.

She was the daughter of the late Melvin Greyson Tate SR and Esther Hammett Tate and stepdaughter of the late Mary Jim Horton Tate. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, James Williams Hellams Sr, her sister Betty Rush Tate DeLorme and her brother Melvin Greyson Tate Jr.

Nancy was born in Greenwood SC and lived in Pendleton SC and Scottsboro Alabama in her youth. She graduated from Jacksonville State University in 1970 and received a Masters Degree in Recreation and Park Administration from Clemson University in 1975.

Nancy taught school in the Pendleton schools and was the Director of the Anderson County Adult Activity Center before marrying the love of her life in 1978. Nancy operated Cripple Creek Crafts on the square and later was a partner in a children's clothing shop, Beary Classy. In later years, she became the office manager for her husband's medical office.

Counselors and campers still talk about their fun adventures at Camp Cripple Creek for preschool boys. The three week day camp was held in the Hellams yard in the early 1980's, and was created and directed by Nancy.

Nancy referred to herself as a SAPP, a Self Appointed Pendleton Promoter, and she led numerous volunteer activities and organizations. She was often publicly recognized for her community service.

Nancy is survived by her beloved children, Susann Elizabeth Hellams Griffin and James Williams Hellams Jr, and her three grandchildren, Tate Shields Griffin, James Campbell Hellams and Mary Britton Hellams.

Her sister, Joan Grayson Tate Adams, her stepsister Mary Elizabeth Horton Rasor, her stepbrother Horace "Hoss" P Horton, and treasured nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service in honor of Nancy will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM, at Pendleton Methodist Church, 217 Broad Street, Pendleton, SC 29670.The family will receive friends following the service. 

It was Nancy's wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to "Friends of the Park", Pendleton Methodist Church, or Hospice of the Upstate.

Please visit Robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Homes & Crematory, Central-Clemson Commons.