Louise Batts Whelchel, 87, of Rochelle, Georgia, died Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, Georgia.
Graveside services will be held 2 PM, Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald, Georgia, with the Rev. Blane Jacobs officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home in Fitzgerald.
Mrs. Whelchel was born September 16, 1937, in Omega, Georgia to the late Rev. Leslie Lamar & Georgia Williams Batts. She was a graduate of Ocala High School and earned a Bachelors degree in Education from Stetson University. Mrs. Whelchel had a 39-year career in education having taught at Ocala Elementary, Irwin Elementary, Wilcox Elementary, Irwin Academy, and Ben Hill Primary. She shared her love of education with her family which led to a daughter and two granddaughters becoming teachers as well. She was named Teacher of the Year at Ben Hill Primary. Mrs. Whelchel was active in the Alpha Nu sorority as well as the Ladies of Nasah Shrine Auxiliary. She played piano for many years at her church. She loved to cook and to garden and was always blessed when spending time with her family. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Fitzgerald and the Dorcas Golden Circle Sunday school class.
She is survived by her two daughters: Susan Bryant of Fitzgerald and Jackie & Jerry Mull of Rome; grandchildren: Bonnie Bryant Cook & Kyle, Bailee Bryant, Katie Mull Lance & Jeff and Mason Mull & Kayleigh; great-grandchildren: Henley Lance, Ellis Cook, and Jackson Mull. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack D. Whelchel; a son-in-law, Brad Bryant; and a brother, Lamar Batts.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to the Dorcas Golden Circle class, First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 367, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.