Camay Sue Johnson Creel gained her heavenly reward on July 4, 2022, with her beloved family and friends by her side. She was known for her fervent prayer life, deep friendships, quick wit, gentle spirit, and wise counsel. Her life was a living testimony, and she loved to share the goodness of God with everyone who crossed her path.
Camay was born to Wilbur and Isabel (Nevils) Johnson on Aug. 22, 1936, in Kinder, La. As a child, she and her younger brothers Glenn and Elroy, enjoyed the simple pleasures of picking blackberries, shelling peas, and canning vegetables. From her grandmothers and mother, she learned to quilt and crochet, and her crocheted blankets are beloved family heirlooms. Her family had great musical talent, which inspired her to begin playing the piano at an early age. Her musical talent and training would become a trademark of her future ministry. Her family eventually moved to Lake Charles, and she attended Marion High School where she excelled academically and made lifelong friends. She was proud of her heritage and often gave thanks for her parents and grandparents who taught her how to worship God.
On Sept. 12, 1953, she married the love of her life, Rev. Timothy Creel of Oakdale, La. She not only joined him in marriage, but she also joined him in ministry. They evangelized in Apostolic Pentecostal churches throughout the United States, and her smooth piano and vocal styling became an anointed part of their ministry. As they transitioned to pastoral ministry, she was an active pastor’s wife, helping build churches in Indian Village, La.; Orange, Texas; Pasadena, Texas, and Westlake, La. She faithfully served with a genuine kindness, keen knowledge of the Word, inspiring faith, and powerful prayer. As they transitioned into retirement, her ministry also transitioned, but it never faded. Up until the week of her death, she maintained an active encouragement ministry, calling friends, family, and acquaintances to share God’s Word and offer faith-building counsel. She was proud to be a member of Moss Bluff Pentecostal Church, and she dearly loved her church family.
Camay was a loving homemaker who gave her life for her family. Timothy and Camay had two daughters, Susan, married to Terry Bankens, and Pam, married to Jay Queen. She had four grandchildren, Lori Bankens Benoit, married to Derek Benoit; Jonathan Bankens, married to Charity Bankens; Sarah Bankens Long, married to Landon Long; and Andrew Queen, married to Brianne Queen. She had nine great grandchildren, Daniel Benoit, John Benoit, Katie Bankens, Noah Bankens, Remington Long, Camden Long, Cohen Long, William Queen, and Asher Queen. She also had a large extended and adopted family who she considered “her own.” Her home was always open, and she always welcomed guests with love and laughter. She shared her love of music, and family time was often spent singing together as she led them on the piano. She also shared her love of reading and games, especially Sudoku, Sorry, and Chinese checkers. A glass of tea with extra ice was always near, and she had a penchant for such delicacies as French toast with cheese, pimento cheese with spicy crackers, gourmet peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, strawberry pop-tarts topped with a slice of cheddar cheese, and a Coke with a Hershey bar. She was a faithful caretaker to her daughter, husband, father, and mother, ensuring their needs were met during extended illnesses. She invested herself in her faith and her family, knowing that only those have lasting value. Most importantly, she taught her family about Jesus’s love, and she showed them how to put that love into action.
Camay is survived by her daughter, Susan Bankens; her grandchildren; and her great-grandchildren. She was preceded by her parents; her brothers; her daughter, Pam; her husband; and her sons-in-law.
Funeral service will be on Friday, July 8, at 10 a.m. at First Pentecostal Church of Westlake with visitation to begin at 8:30 a.m. It will be officiated by Pastor Jared Pugh and the Rev. Landon Long. The burial will immediately follow the service at Creel Cemetery and will be officiated by the Rev. Terry Bushnell and the Rev. Dan Kyle. Pallbearers are Charlie Bankens, Daniel Benoit, John Benoit, Sean Chisholm, Tony Cornner, Roger Creel, Tony Hasty, Le Roy Long and Charlie Willis.