Jean Treadwell Yarborough Helms

Jean Treadwell Yarborough Helms departed this life on October 13, 2026 surrounded by loved ones after a brief illness. Born on January 6th, 1938 to William Daniel Yarborough and Mary Elizabeth Treadwell Yarborough, she lived a life filled with love, grace and compassion. Throughout her life she endeavored to help those less fortunate, and to make the world a brighter and more welcoming space.

She is survived by her twin sister, Jane Yarborough Creech, three sons, Jay (Virginia), Jordan (Ann Bryan) and Tread (Britton) along with her grandsons, Addison (Brynn), Towns, Jordan Jr. (Virginia), Will, John (Morgan) and Jack, as well as her one beloved granddaughter, Grace. She also had many cherished nieces and nephews. She was especially proud and elated to welcome her great grandchild, Daniel in the last year of her life.

Her formative years were spent in Greenville, SC, where she was a particularly endearing daughter to her parents, Dan and Mac. She was also a fiercely protective sister to her twin Jane, as well as her younger siblings, Libby and Danny, who both pre-deceased her. She remained steadfastly loyal to her family and friends, and treasured her youth in a home filled with love and warmth.

She was a 1956 graduate of Greenville High School and a 1960 graduate from Converse College, where she received her sociology degree and embarked on a career in social work in Richmond, VA. In 1963, she married Julian C. Josey, Jr., during his final year of medical school at Wake Forest University. She then began a whirlwind tour of supporting Julian during his medical training in Atlanta, GA, Indianapolis, IN and Birmingham, MI, as well as his military service in Vietnam, before ultimately settling in Julian’s hometown of Spartanburg, SC in 1970. During this time her family was growing, and she was proud to raise her three sons who arrived in 1963, 1966 and 1971.

Her years in Spartanburg were busy, eventful and fulfilling as she distinguished herself as a consummate hostess, tireless volunteer and exceptional fundraiser -- a talent at which she proved herself particularly adept. Her infectious enthusiasm, boundless optimism and irresistible charm were an enduring asset to her community involvement through the Junior League of Spartanburg, as well as many other civic and charitable institutions. Of particular note, were her inspiring efforts and instrumental role in establishing and nurturing the Ellen Hines Smith Girls Home of Spartanburg (nka The Hope Center for Children).

In April of 1990, Jean married her second husband, Bennett L. Helms, who was the love of her life. They moved to Charleston, SC, where they immediately embraced their new community and were quick to open their home on Legare Street to tours given by the Historic Charleston Foundation. She contributed greatly to the creation of the Charleston Wine and Food Festival by serving on its inaugural board, and helped to found and lead the Charleston Art and Antiques Forum.

Jean distinguished herself throughout her life in service to her favorite causes, but never forgot the enduring values of faith, family, loyalty and friendship. She was richly blessed in all these areas of her life, which ultimately define her incomparable and enduring legacy.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 20th at the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Spartanburg, SC at 12:30pm.

Memorials in her honor may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Advent where she will be interred next to her beloved Bennett.