Faye was born on September 15, 1940, in Leander, Texas, and was raised in Liberty Hill, Texas.

After graduating from high school, she followed her dream of becoming an educator and earned her teaching degree from the University of Mary Hardin- Baylor. She moved to El Paso shortly thereafter, where she began teaching English for Ysleta ISD. After several years, she relocated to Monahans, Texas, to serve as the librarian at Tatum Elementary School.

Faye was deeply passionate about her work and

dedicated herself to being an exceptional librarian. She opened new worlds for countless children through books and instilled in them a lifelong love of reading.

She often said that a book is a gift you can open again and again, and that reading to the mind is what exercise is to the body.

While living in Monahans, Faye met her future husband, Hal Creel. Hal had two daughters, to whom Faye became a devoted and loving stepmother, caring for them as if they were her own children.

Later, Faye returned to school and, over the course of three summers, earned her master’s degree in Library Science from the University of North Texas.

Faye and Hal also raised their grandson, Simon, from the age of five months.

Faye embraced this role as her most important calling, devoting her time, love, wisdom, and unwavering support to him.

After retiring following 39 years in education, Faye and Hal moved to Kingsland, Texas. They became active members of Highland Lakes United Methodist Church, where Faye found meaningful fellowship and opportunities for service.

In retirement, Faye channeled her passion for learning into gardening, raising chickens, and cooking.

Family, church members, and close friends eagerly enjoyed her chocolate cake, lemon pies, and cookies, which became cherished traditions.

Faye was a dedicated member of Highland Lakes United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, and Delta Kappa Gamma.

She generously volunteered her time with Share the Harvest, the Retired Teachers Association, and Friends of the Kingsland Library.

Faye was preceded in death by her father, James “Herman” McLeod; her mother, Mattie “Lucille” Maines; and her beloved husband of 42 years, Hal Creel.

She is survived by her sisters, Mary Sue Carter of Orange, Texas; Carol Pfieffer of Lockhart, Texas; and Dottie Holman of Niceville, Florida; her daughters, Lori Hawthorne and husband John Hawthorne of Marble Falls, Texas, and Amy Creel of McKinney, Texas; her grandchildren, Simon Porter and wife Paige of Weimer, Texas, and Jaci Hawthorne of Marble Falls, Texas; her great-grandchildren, Zachary, Mallory, Cash, Beaux, and Pierceton; along with other extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Highland Lakes United Methodist Church in Buchanan Dam, Texas, with Reverend Roberta Goodman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Faye’s name to Highland Lakes United Methodist Church (Attn: Share the Harvest), P.O. Box 1005, Buchanan Dam, Texas 78609, or to Friends of the Kingsland Library, P.O. Box 1044, Kingsland, Texas 78639.