Betty Jean Whitmire Whelchel

With the passing of Betty Jean Whitmire Whelchel, Dahlonega has lost one of it’s most beloved longtime residents. Betty was born in Dawson County on July 31, 1931 and passed away at her home on January 14, 2021 following an extended illness.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lindbergh and their daughter Linda, by her parents Thay and Oma Bell Whitmire, her sister Olure Whitmire Hughes, and bothers Ford and Hoyt Whitmire.

Knowing how reserved she was about praise being given to herself, it still feels necessary to tell what fills one’s heart about knowing Betty Whelchel. There’s so much to be learned from this wonderful lady.  For years, she’s been devoted to so many aspects of her life. She dearly loved her little family. Betty, Linda, and Lindbergh were hardly seen one without the other, and they were known by most everyone for their welcoming spirit of others into their lives and their home. People came as visitors and left as family, returning often for more of the love and hospitality that was so freely given. It would be remiss not to add that they might, while in their home,  receive a laugh or two by some practical joke or quick witted response from Betty. Yes, this stately white-haired lady was a bit of a mischief maker. She was fun loving and didn’t miss a chance to bring on a little laughter, and when teamed up with Lindbergh, well now, that was a show worth charging admission.

Betty was also devoted to her professional life retiring from Federal Land Bank after many years of loyal service and dedication.

One of the highest compliments a woman can be given is to be referred to as a “Godly woman”, and it was apparent to all that Betty Whelchel was a Godly woman. She loved the Lord and was devoted to spreading “the Word”. She was not timid about witnessing to others right on the spot wherever she happened to be. Betty was referred to by others living on “the hill” on Lindbergh Drive as the “praying lady” at the top of the hill. If she knew you were in need of prayer, you could be assured she was praying for you without fail.

This extraordinary lady was loved by so many and those who knew her have been so blessed by knowing and loving her. She has truly lived the “Good Life”. We have all said she has taught us how to live and now she has taught us how to die with grace and thankfulness.

While we all will be so sad to be without her, we are rejoicing in knowing that she is truly at Home with her Lord and Savior and celebrating with her beloved family at the grand reunion she’s been longing for for so long.

Mrs. Whelchel wanted her love and appreciation to be expressed to Jimmy and Sandy Kemp and their children Jessie and Palmer Loggins, Jimmy Kemp III, and Jackson Kemp, also to Donna Rice and her husband Kenny, to Frank Tralies, to Bobby and Amy Whitmire and son Luke, to Jay and April Kemp and Jimmy and Kay Kemp.

Special thanks goes out to Hospice of Northeast Georgia from Betty and her family.

A private graveside service will be held for Mrs. Whelchel at Dahlonega Memorial Park, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband. Her nephew, Rev. Bobby Whitmire will officiate. 

In lieu of flowers make donations to Antioch Baptist Church, 4632 Auraria Road, Dawsonville, GA. 30534

To share a memory of Mrs. Whelchel or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com. 

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 Hwy 19 N, Dahlonega, GA 30533