Helen Pearl

Schenck

Helen Pearl Schenck, 73 of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina passed away on November 12, 2026, at her mother’s home in Roanoke Rapids, NC surrounded by her beloved family and her devoted spouse of 46 years.

She was born October 22, 1953, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina to Ben and Delois Ketter Jr. and was preceded in death by her father.

A few years after graduation from high school, Helen left Roanoke Rapids to pursue employment and education. She immediately found employment in Raleigh, North Carolina and started working on college courses at North Carolina State University. After a short time, Helen enlisted in the North Carolina National Guard, and in a couple of years, signed up for Officer Candidate School. Helen met her spouse, George, while serving in the National Guard and she moved to his home state of Rhode Island. They lived there for twenty-eight years before retiring to Myrtle Beach in 2008. Helen’s career in the National Guard covered thirty years with some civilian jobs in between. Over this period of time, she rose from the enlisted ranks to Colonel. Her love for knowledge started with a few night courses, but over the years she managed to earn four college degrees including a Doctor of Education. Helen George loved to travel, and their travels took them all over the world. They also enjoyed competing in road races together throughout the country including a marathon in Burlington, Vermont. Helen’s hobbies included pencil sketching, playing piano and guitar.

Helen is survived by her spouse, George Schenck; her mother, Delois Keeter; her siblings, Linda (John), McKinney, Roger (Libby) Keeter and Rebecca Pittman; her nieces and nephews, Robbie (Chistie) Keeter, Justin (Jessica) Pittman, Amanda (Donnie) Hedgepeth, Dara Pitts and Brandon (Jennifer) Odom.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, November 16, 206 in the Chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Reverend Jason Yeatts officiating. Burial will follow in the Cedarwood Cemetery in Weldon, North Carolina. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM until the funeral hour. Friends may sign the online register by visiting www.hockadayfs.com. Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to served the Schenck family during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association.