Betty Jean Abell, 93, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Maple Court Senior Care in Tifton, Georgia.
Memorial services will be held 11 AM, Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Central United Methodist Church in Fitzgerald, Georgia, with the Rev. Chris Ramsey and the Rev. B.J. Funk officiating. Her granddaughter, Anna Hatcher Barnes, will give the eulogy. Interment will follow in Harmony Cemetery, Richland, Georgia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services in the sanctuary on Thursday.
Mrs. Abell was born December 23, 1930, in Marion County, Georgia, to the late Joseph Oliver & Dicie Mae Walls Wells. She worked for Jolly Jeweler and later in life took up the game of golf and made three holes-in-one. She was a devoted member of Central United Methodist Church for many years being active in many ministries of the church including Sunday school and the UMW. She was a faithful servant and a fervent prayer warrior. Her family helped to establish St. Peters UMC as a ministry of Central many years ago. She loved her Lord, her church, her family, and the Fitzgerald community.
She is survived by her children and their spouses: Milton & Twinkle Abell of Watkinsville, Linda & Tommy Hatcher of Fitzgerald and Andy & Tracey Abell of Loganville; grandchildren and their spouses: Adam & Denise Abell, Franklin & Penny Abell, Allison & Daniel Webb, Roxanne Abell, Alex Abell, Erin & Chuck Spinks, Anna & Bert Barnes, Luke & Jennifer Hatcher, Blake Abell and Madison Abell; fifteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Harry M. Abell; a son, Mike Abell; brothers: Joe Wells and Emmett Wells; and sisters: Evelyn Wells, Lillie Dillard, Julia Harbuck, Alethia Harbuck, Hazel Hanner, Mary L. Warren, Peggy King, and Maxine Carter.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Central Wesleyan Church, P.O. Box 428, Fitzgerald, GA 31750, or to St Peters United Methodist Church, 114 Sunset Drive, Fitzgerald, GA 31750, or to The Grove Church, 234 Irwinville Highway, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.