
Joan Bailey McElrath Hellar
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Joan Bailey McElrath Hellar, 91, passed away on December 3, 2023, after a recent illness. She was a beloved sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, and friend, and was loved and admired by many. She spent much of her life in Greenville, SC, graduated from Greenville High School, and received her R.N. from Greenville General Hospital School of Nursing. She reared four children with her husband of 42 years, Dr. James T. McElrath, MD, who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by a son, Robert J. McElrath, and a grandson, James Benson "Ben" Griffin.
She is survived by her husband of 24 years, C. Albert Hellar of Inman, SC and her twin brother, Dr. George O. Bailey, MD of Anderson, SC. In addition, she is survived by daughters, Helen M. Griffin of Newberry, SC, Beth M. Mitcheltree of Simpsonville, SC, Anna R. McElrath of Greenville,SC and daughter-in-law, Crela L. McElrath of Taylors. She is also survived by grandchildren Leslie M. Hoffman (husband, Brent) of Greenville; Erin M. Roach (husband, Jared) of Nashville, TN, Bradley McElrath (wife, Maria) of Eugene, OR, and 3 great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Mackey Funerals and Cremations, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC, where visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Thursday, December 7, 2023. The funeral service will be at 1:30 pm on Friday, December 8, 2023, at Washington Baptist Church, 3500 SC Highway 14, Greer, SC. Private burial will follow. Services will be officiated by Reverend Trent Henson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to Washington Baptist Church, 3500 SC Highway 14, Greer, SC or to a charity of one's choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeywoodlawn.com for the Hellar family.