Celebrating the life of
Michele Peterman Creel
Passed away on October 11, 2019
Michele Peterman Creel, “Mickey”, 76, passed away October 11, 2019 in Savannah, Georgia after an extended illness.
Mickey was born in Savannah, Georgia on September 10, 1943 to Geneva and Bert Peterman. A 1960 graduate of Savannah High School, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Georgia Southern College in 1964. Upon graduation, she began her lifelong career as a mathematics educator at HV Jenkins High School at the young age of 20. Soon after, she moved to Summerville, South Carolina where she met and married, Gerald Creel, a young naval officer from Texas. After several moves, the couple settled in Houston, Texas where they started a family. Mickey considered herself as much a true Texan as her husband and son did.
In 1984 Mickey and her family returned to her hometown of Savannah. While teaching at Windsor Forest High School, she earned her Master’s Degree in Mathematics education from Georgia Southern University. In 1994, she joined the faculty at Savannah Technical College where she received awards and recognition for her innovative teaching methods. One of her proudest accomplishments was being asked to give the commencement address for the class of 2006 Graduation Ceremony. She considered herself “an easy instructor that taught a hard subject” and earned the respect and attention of her students and colleagues during her 18 years at Savannah Tech. Around campus she was known for her quick wit and her iMac computer. Among Mickey’s keepsakes were numerous letters written by her beloved former students.
Mickey’s passion for mathematics and educating young people could only be rivaled by her love for her family and friends. Over the years, Gerald and Mickey made great friends with whom they shared a joy for traveling, camping, cooking and dining. Mickey was happiest spending time with her family. She looked forward to joining Garner, Kellie and Anna for Mexican food, and she particularly enjoyed spoiling her granddaughter by going on shopping trips and sewing her beautiful dresses and Halloween costumes.
Mickey is preceded in death by her beloved husband Gerald and her parents. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Garner (Kellie), her granddaughter, Anna, who affectionately referred to her as “Eme”, and her little dog, Annabelle. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Ruby Foehner Creel of Elgin, Texas; a brother, Michael Peterman (Judy) of Richmond Hill, Georgia, and her two sisters-in-law, Linda Brinkley Creel (Herndon) and Judith Creel Trevathan (Jim).
The family will receive visitors on Sunday, October 20 at 3 p.m. at Fox & Weeks, Hodgson Chapel with services to follow at 4 p.m. The Reverend Mike Miller will officiate.
The family wishes to thank Azalealand and Hospice of Savannah for Mickey’s care during her final months. We especially want to recognize AJ Alexander and Lucy Gilpin for their support.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Cure Childhood Cancer, 200 Ashford Center North, Ste 250, Atlanta, Georgia 30338; Hospice Savannah Foundation, P.O. Box 13190 Savannah, Georgia 31416, or the Mesothelioma Research Foundation at http://www.curemeso.org.
Mickey, Marsha Ahl, and I were roommates at Ga Southern. There's were wild and fun times. . Great great memories. We three continued our friendship over the last 40 years. I'll miss following her comments on FB. AWESOME PERSON.
- Phyllis Asbell, McIntyre, Ga
So sorry for your loss. Mickey was always a bright and witty person and will leave us all with fond memories.
- John A Brown, Savannah, Ga
Garner, Kellie & Anna, So sorry to hear about Mickey. Thinking of you all and praying for you.
- Jason & Shelia Trevathan , West Jefferson , NC
Mrs. Creel was my Algebra teacher at Savannah Tech. She made learning that awful subject so much easier. She was one of my favorite people. My heart goes out to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this trying time. May God be with you all.
- Patricia Waters, Pooler, Georgia (GA)
Garner our thoughts and Prayers are with. you and your family at this time. Papa & Mimi
- , ,
What a beautiful tribute for a beautiful person! I love how she referred to herself as an easy teacher who taught a hard subject. May there be more teachers who are compassionate like that and who care about students. She left a wonderful legacy in Garner!
- Anna Itoi, Los Altos Hills, CA
Garner, I have good memories of your mom from teaching at Windsor Forest. I’m very sorry to hear about her passing. My thoughts, memories and prayers are with you and your family. Trey
- Trey Bacon, Savannah, Ga
Garner, Ken and I are so sorry to hear about your mom. We have so many wonderful memories of the time you lived across the street from us in Texas. Every Christmas you are always in our thoughts as your mom made so many of the memorable ornaments that we hang on our tree. She was so talented and always did the most beautiful work!!! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Ken and Penny Cornett, Spring, Texas
- penny cornett, Spring, TX
Garner, Kellie, and Anna--I am so sorry to hear about Mickey. We were such friends back in the day getting our masters together. What a lover of mathematics, and a lover of her family. She was so proud of you Garner, and you Kellie, and her special Anna. We loved your parents and know they are loving being together now. Our prayers for your whole family! Love, Robin and Leigh
- Leigh Beauchamp, Savannah, Georgia
Garner and Family, Thinking of you all, and praying for you. Angell
- Angell Usher, Savannah, Ga
My prayers are with all of the family and friends,rip
- Michael Wilson, Savannah , Ga
Garner, I am very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was a very special lady and I loved seeing her and that contagious smile during our high school years at Windsor. After graduation, I ran into on several occasions and she always went out of her way to speak to me and give me a hug. Will pray for your and your family and that God wraps you with comfort.
- Julie Huggins, Richmond Hill, GA
Garner, I am so sorry to hear this news. I remember your mother as such a joyful, vivacious person -- always with a smile. My thoughts are with you and your family.
- Griffin Thomas, Boston, MA
I am just so sorry to hear of Mickeys passing. I always enjoyed her visits with Anna to Isle of Yo’. We had shared many conversations about her life. I will think of her fondly when I see bird sightings and garden posts on FB. Sending your family lots of love and prayers.
- Susan Dailey, Savannah, Ga
Garner, I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was a special lady that always had a smile on her face. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.
- Jamie Brown , Savannah , Ga
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Creel's passing. I had the pleasure of being in her Math class when I attended Savannah Tech. She was a great teacher.
- Kimberly Saxon, Pooler, GA
So sorry to hear about Mickey. We grew up across the street from each on 40th St. Mickey w quite a character...always had something witty to say. S\ \ She will be missed. So sorry for your loss.....JOY & Billy
- Joy and Billy Schwarz, Orlano Fl 32817,
Garner, Kellie, and Anna - I was deeply saddened to hear about Mickey. You all may know that she mentored me when I started at Savannah Tech and our friendship flourished through the years while I was there and it continued after she retired. She loved you all deeply and told me that many times. My condolences and prayers are with you all.
- Heather Gunn Haskell, Columbus, GA
Mickey taught with me at WFHS for many years. She was smart and loved to have fun. She was part of TybeeJack & the Beaches concert team that did a show at a pep rally in 1991. Will be TRULY missed!
- Jack Boylston, Tybee Island,, GA
Our prayers of love and comfort for Garner, Kellie, and Anna. My your happy memories of times together fill your heart at this sad time. Love, Jim and Debbie Shumans (Mama and Papa Shu)
- Debbie and Jim Shumans, Savannah, GA
Mickey Creel established standards in mathematics courses at Savannah Technical College for other instructors to follow. My deepest condolences to Kellie and all members of her family.
- Al Cunningham, Savannah, Georgia
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Ms. Mickey was a wonderful lady and coworker. She was be missed dearly. God bless you and your family is my prayer.
- Beverly Cohen, Richmond Hill, Georgia
Garner, I am sorry sorry for the loss of your mother. Please know that you, Kellie and your daughter are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Gina Koncul Robinson, Savannah , Ga
Garner and Kellie, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Your mother was very special and dear to all who knew and loved ed her. She will be greatly missed.
- Gail and Jack Brown, Savannah , Ga
I was so sorry to hear of Mickey's passing as her office was right across the hall from me at Savannah Tech. I will miss her wit and humor and my prayers are with you all.
- George Erwin, Savannah, GA
I taught with Mickey many years ago at Windsor Forest. She was a wonderful friend and a great teacher and shall be missd
- Kimberly Kribbs, Blue Ridge, GA
Deepest Condolences: Mickey was a classmate, we all have those fond memories of the time at Savannah High School. May God Bless each of you in the difficult times ahead. SHS class 60 Anne Everett-Cobb
- Anne E. Cobb, Guyton, Ga.
I was sorry to read of Mickey’s death. We were classmates in High School in Savannah. I send my sympathy to her family and friends.
- Jody Sutlive, Greensboro, NC
So terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping you in our prayers Garner, Kellie and Anna. Heaven gained a sweet soul. Much love, Holly and Clay
- Holly and Clay Geriner, Savannah, Ga
My oldest and dearest friend what wonderful times and love we shared over 50 plus years. I’ll treasure them the rest of my life. Heaven is happier with your smile and humor. Love and sympathy to Garner, Kellie and Anna.
- Kay Butler, Lufkin, Tx
Mickey, Marsha Ahl, and I were roommates at Ga Southern. There's were wild and fun times. . Great great memories. We three continued our friendship over the last 40 years. I'll miss following her comments on FB. AWESOME PERSON.
- Phyllis Asbell, McIntyre, Ga
So sorry for your loss. Mickey was always a bright and witty person and will leave us all with fond memories.
- John A Brown, Savannah, Ga
Garner, Kellie & Anna, So sorry to hear about Mickey. Thinking of you all and praying for you.
- Jason & Shelia Trevathan , West Jefferson , NC
Mrs. Creel was my Algebra teacher at Savannah Tech. She made learning that awful subject so much easier. She was one of my favorite people. My heart goes out to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this trying time. May God be with you all.
- Patricia Waters, Pooler, Georgia (GA)
Garner our thoughts and Prayers are with. you and your family at this time. Papa & Mimi
- , ,
What a beautiful tribute for a beautiful person! I love how she referred to herself as an easy teacher who taught a hard subject. May there be more teachers who are compassionate like that and who care about students. She left a wonderful legacy in Garner!
- Anna Itoi, Los Altos Hills, CA
Garner, I have good memories of your mom from teaching at Windsor Forest. I’m very sorry to hear about her passing. My thoughts, memories and prayers are with you and your family. Trey
- Trey Bacon, Savannah, Ga
Garner, Ken and I are so sorry to hear about your mom. We have so many wonderful memories of the time you lived across the street from us in Texas. Every Christmas you are always in our thoughts as your mom made so many of the memorable ornaments that we hang on our tree. She was so talented and always did the most beautiful work!!! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Ken and Penny Cornett, Spring, Texas
- penny cornett, Spring, TX
Garner, Kellie, and Anna--I am so sorry to hear about Mickey. We were such friends back in the day getting our masters together. What a lover of mathematics, and a lover of her family. She was so proud of you Garner, and you Kellie, and her special Anna. We loved your parents and know they are loving being together now. Our prayers for your whole family! Love, Robin and Leigh
- Leigh Beauchamp, Savannah, Georgia
Garner and Family, Thinking of you all, and praying for you. Angell
- Angell Usher, Savannah, Ga
My prayers are with all of the family and friends,rip
- Michael Wilson, Savannah , Ga
Garner, I am very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was a very special lady and I loved seeing her and that contagious smile during our high school years at Windsor. After graduation, I ran into on several occasions and she always went out of her way to speak to me and give me a hug. Will pray for your and your family and that God wraps you with comfort.
- Julie Huggins, Richmond Hill, GA
Garner, I am so sorry to hear this news. I remember your mother as such a joyful, vivacious person -- always with a smile. My thoughts are with you and your family.
- Griffin Thomas, Boston, MA
I am just so sorry to hear of Mickeys passing. I always enjoyed her visits with Anna to Isle of Yo’. We had shared many conversations about her life. I will think of her fondly when I see bird sightings and garden posts on FB. Sending your family lots of love and prayers.
- Susan Dailey, Savannah, Ga
Garner, I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was a special lady that always had a smile on her face. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.
- Jamie Brown , Savannah , Ga
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Creel's passing. I had the pleasure of being in her Math class when I attended Savannah Tech. She was a great teacher.
- Kimberly Saxon, Pooler, GA
So sorry to hear about Mickey. We grew up across the street from each on 40th St. Mickey w quite a character...always had something witty to say. S\ \ She will be missed. So sorry for your loss.....JOY & Billy
- Joy and Billy Schwarz, Orlano Fl 32817,
Garner, Kellie, and Anna - I was deeply saddened to hear about Mickey. You all may know that she mentored me when I started at Savannah Tech and our friendship flourished through the years while I was there and it continued after she retired. She loved you all deeply and told me that many times. My condolences and prayers are with you all.
- Heather Gunn Haskell, Columbus, GA
Mickey taught with me at WFHS for many years. She was smart and loved to have fun. She was part of TybeeJack & the Beaches concert team that did a show at a pep rally in 1991. Will be TRULY missed!
- Jack Boylston, Tybee Island,, GA
Our prayers of love and comfort for Garner, Kellie, and Anna. My your happy memories of times together fill your heart at this sad time. Love, Jim and Debbie Shumans (Mama and Papa Shu)
- Debbie and Jim Shumans, Savannah, GA
Mickey Creel established standards in mathematics courses at Savannah Technical College for other instructors to follow. My deepest condolences to Kellie and all members of her family.
- Al Cunningham, Savannah, Georgia
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Ms. Mickey was a wonderful lady and coworker. She was be missed dearly. God bless you and your family is my prayer.
- Beverly Cohen, Richmond Hill, Georgia
Garner, I am sorry sorry for the loss of your mother. Please know that you, Kellie and your daughter are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Gina Koncul Robinson, Savannah , Ga
Garner and Kellie, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Your mother was very special and dear to all who knew and loved ed her. She will be greatly missed.
- Gail and Jack Brown, Savannah , Ga
I was so sorry to hear of Mickey's passing as her office was right across the hall from me at Savannah Tech. I will miss her wit and humor and my prayers are with you all.
- George Erwin, Savannah, GA
I taught with Mickey many years ago at Windsor Forest. She was a wonderful friend and a great teacher and shall be missd
- Kimberly Kribbs, Blue Ridge, GA
Deepest Condolences: Mickey was a classmate, we all have those fond memories of the time at Savannah High School. May God Bless each of you in the difficult times ahead. SHS class 60 Anne Everett-Cobb
- Anne E. Cobb, Guyton, Ga.
I was sorry to read of Mickey’s death. We were classmates in High School in Savannah. I send my sympathy to her family and friends.
- Jody Sutlive, Greensboro, NC
So terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping you in our prayers Garner, Kellie and Anna. Heaven gained a sweet soul. Much love, Holly and Clay
- Holly and Clay Geriner, Savannah, Ga
My oldest and dearest friend what wonderful times and love we shared over 50 plus years. I’ll treasure them the rest of my life. Heaven is happier with your smile and humor. Love and sympathy to Garner, Kellie and Anna.
- Kay Butler, Lufkin, Tx
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
