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Sarah Helton Obituary
March 25, 1931 - February 2, 2022
Raleigh, North Carolina - Sarah Anderson Helton of Raleigh, NC, passed away peacefully at her home on February 2, 2022, with her two devoted children by her side. She was 90 years old.
The eldest of four children, Sarah was born in Mars Hill, NC, where she spent her youth on her family's dairy farm.
With a great mind and tenacious determination, she graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1953 with a master's degree in mathematics. In 1970, her love for math brought her to Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, NC, where she steadfastly taught for 20 years. Upon her retirement in 1990, the mountains beckoned, and she returned to her childhood home in Mars Hill. In 2012, Sarah relocated to Raleigh to be closer to her children and grandchildren.
Educated and intelligent, Sarah was the true definition of humility. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Sarah. She loved to watch golf but never played. In her retirement, she enjoyed sitting peacefully on her front porch, enjoying the stunning mountain views, enthusiastically counting the number of cars that passed (statistically determining that white is the most popular), and there wasn't a crossword puzzle she couldn't solve.
Sarah is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Carter Anderson and Mary Alta Carter Anderson, and her brother Franklin Anderson.
Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her sisters, Carolyn Gore of Orange City, FL and Frances Woosley of Charlotte, NC; children Rhonda Terry and Steven Helton of Raleigh, NC; son-in-law Michael Terry, daughter-in-law, Sherry Helton; her grandchildren, Andrew Terry, and Madison Helton; along with a host of close friends, former students, and anyone lucky enough to have spent just an afternoon with her.
Private services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be made in Sarah Helton's name to Mars Hill University.
A service of Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, Wake Forest (919-556-7400)
cswfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Sarah Helton
Sponsored by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Craig Parker
February 7, 2022
Though I was not the brightest student in Mrs. Helton´s class, she was firm but patient with me. It would be many years before I used what I didn´t know I learned from her lessons both in the Navy, and as a construction professional. I´m sad to hear of her passing. My condolences to her dear friends and family.
Candice White
February 7, 2022
I am very sorry to hear of Ms. Helton's passing. I was lucky enough to have her as my algebra (II?) teacher at Ravenscroft in the 1980s. Ms. Helton was an EXCELLENT match teacher. She was smart, clear, and stern in the sense that she put enough fear in the minds of the students that discipline was never an issue in her classroom. Oh, if only the other math teachers there were as talented as she was. Sending love to her family, and appreciation for what Ms. Helton contributed to my personal educational path. XXOO
MaryJack Hinnant DeLuca
February 7, 2022
I loved math and became a math teacher myself. Thank you for your dedication to your profession, Mrs Helton. Praying for your family
Norva Bounds
February 7, 2022
Sara and I overlapped in the Upper School at Ravenscroft School. I came to (teach Spanish)
there a few years after she, and retired the year before her. Sara was a lovely person. A fun person with a dry--and at times, self-deprecating-- sense of humor. I always enjoyed her company and considered her a valued colleague. I know she will be missed by her extended family and friends, both present and past!
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Marcia Scraper Jones
February 7, 2022
Rhonda and Steven, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Yes, Sarah was very intelligent, but she also had a wry sense of humor. Indeed, she could see through almost anything! And that made her fun to be with at school. I am sure your mom was glad to be back in Raleigh and near you two. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Lee McDonald
February 7, 2022
Mrs. Helton was my math teacher all through high school. She was the best! I have thought of her often. Im so sorry for your loss.
Philip Jones
February 7, 2022
Extremely nice lady and wonderful teacher.
D.C. Ramey
February 7, 2022
Mrs. Helton was a great teacher. My time and memories of Ravenscroft will always include Mrs. Helton. She kept us focused and moving forward. God Bless
Nancy Dameron Almquist
February 7, 2022
Oh, how we loved Mrs. Helton!!! While she was strict, she often surprised us with her kindness, smile and laughter! When I think of my days at Ravenscroft, she in always included with fondness. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy upon her death.
Michael Bell class of 1982
February 7, 2022
She was my math teacher. Condolences and prayers for peace grace and love to the family!
Doreen Kelly, Head of School Ravenscroft
February 6, 2022
We honor the remarkable legacy of Ms. Helton at Ravenscroft School. Please know we are keeping all in our thoughts and prayers. In love and sympathy, Doreen Kelly and all those who remember her with great admiration and affection.
Karen Mizell
February 5, 2022
Rhonda, thinking of you & your family during this difficult time. Wishing you strength in the days ahead.
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