Saluda, SC

Helen Corley

Helen O'Brien Corley, 103, widow of Virgil R. Corley, died Sunday, January 14, 2024, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Virginia and Tom Blease.

Born in Saluda, S.C., she was the daughter of the late Michael Fletcher and Irene O'Brien. She graduated from Saluda High School and Lander College, Greenwood, S.C. where she was selected as one of Lander's seniors in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. She loved sports and lettered in five different ones. During her Lander graduation exercise, she received a medal for the "Best All-round Athlete" in her senior class. She taught in the high schools of Arkansas and South Carolina, including eighteen years of teaching mathematics at Saluda High School.

Mrs. Corley was a charter member of Saluda Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for thirty-eight years and was a member of the Bible Study Group and Friendship Club. She was a member of Saluda County Educators and three bridge clubs.

Surviving are two daughters, Virginia (Tom) Blease of Saluda and Barbara Gentry of Saluda, six grandchildren: Brian Blease (Stevi), Matt Gentry (Jennifer), Melanie Moorer (Brad), David Blease (Ginny), Ryan Gentry (Melissa), and Russell Gentry (Stephanie), and thirteen great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, three sisters: Gladys O. Bruce, Juanita O. Walker, and Mary O. Tollefson, and a son-in-law, Larry Gentry.

The family expresses deep felt appreciation to the staff of Hospice Services of S.C. for their concern and assistance.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 19, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at Saluda Baptist Church with burial in Travis Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 12:30-1:45 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saluda Baptist Church, 112 West Wheeler Circle, Saluda, S.C., 29138 or to a charity of one's choice.