Mary Ellen Mills McCreery

Ellen Mills McCreery passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026, in Franklin, NC. She was born Mary Ellen Mills on January 22, 1932, in Washington, DC, to Joseph Lester Mills and Pearl Viola Brooks.

She graduated from Richmond Professional Institute in 1953 with a degree in distributive education. A pioneer in the field of distributive education, she introduced the program to multiple high schools across North Carolina, teaching for 20 years. She later worked as an agent for New York Life Insurance Company. At age 60, Ellen earned a master’s degree from East Carolina University and subsequently served as a substance counselor in Manteo, NC, for 12 years.

Throughout her life, Ellen was a cherished member of many communities, including her church, her AA family, the schools where she taught, and the many places she called home. She lived a richly blessed life and shared her blessings generously, offering inspiration and comfort to many.

Ellen is survived by her daughters Leslie Brooks Booker, Lucy Booker Duncan (Gordon), and Susan Booker Woolard (Blake); stepsons Kelly McCreery (Lorraine), Sean McCreery (Renee), and Scott McCreery (Doreen); and grandchildren Forrest Duncan, Christopher Duncan, Laura Blanton, Connor McCreery, Candace McCreery, Celine McCreery, Jamie McCreery, Sean McCreery Jr., Kyle McCreery, and Lauren McCreery. She was preceded in death by husband James Cleo McCreery; former husband William Murray Booker; sister Caroline Mills Adams; and brother Joseph Lester Mills Jr.

A memorial service will be planned in the coming months. Memorial donations may be made to Washington National Cathedral.

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the McCreery family.