Willene Chastain

Mrs. Willene Hulsey Chastain,88, of Flowery Branch passed away at home Friday March 24, 2017 surrounded by her family after an extended illness.  Willene's death marks the end of a love story that spanned nearly 70 years, including a blind date, a marriage, two daughters, three granddaughters, and six great-grandchildren.  Willene's husband of 66 years, Elmer passed away Monday, and the two that never did anything apart made their journey to Heaven together as well.

One of eight children, Willene lived her entire life in Hall County.  Her family attended Poplar Springs Baptist Church where she was an active member, a member of the REEL (tape) Ministry and sang in the choir before becoming homebound in recent years.  She and Elmer were members of the Whosoever Will Sunday School Class for more than 50 years.  She grew up cooking for her large family where she perfected her legendary "Mammaw Biscuits," cornbread, green beans, and strawberry pie.  She worked at both Chicopee Mill and Fawn Toggs before working and retiring along side her husband from Gainesville College.  She loved playing "solitary," Josh Turner and Randy Travis, gospel music, and keeping everyone fed; but she was most proud of her close extended family. 

Willene was preceded in death by husband, Elmer Chastian; parents, Willie and Lucy Hulsey; brothers, Elbert Hulsey, E.T. Hulsey, and Elro Hulsey; and sisters, Theroia Reed and Della Ree Barker.

Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Charles Scarborough, Gainesville; Lisa and Rodney Beck, Flowery Branch; granddaughters and grandsons-in-law, Jennifer and Todd Slade, Williamson,  Lev and Melina Kallos, Braselton, and Melissa and Andy Chapman, Gainesville; six great grandchildren; brother, Aaron Hulsey; sister, Nellene Wallis; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Willene's family is eternally grateful  for Hospice of Northeast Georgia and our wonderful at-home caregivers- Ashley, Kathy, Shirley, Susan, and Terasia.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday March 27, 2017 at the Poplar Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Harley Ingram, Rev. Todd Slade (Willene's grandson-in-law), and Andy Chapman (Willene's grandson-in-law) officiating.  Interment will follow in the Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at Little & Davenport Funeral Home Sunday March 26 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please support Hospice of Northeast Georgia or Eagle Ranch- charities that support the community Willene and Elmer loved and lived in for 60 years.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.