5/7/19
Mrs. Georgia Mae Welch Spradley, age 82, of Dahlonega passed away Sunday, May 5, 2019.
Mrs. Spradley was born in Suches, GA on July 18, 1936 to the late George W. and Rev. Lillie Mae Tow Self. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Clyde Spradley, her first husband Leon Welch, son Juddy Troy Welch, granddaughter Johanna Welch Burns, great-grandson Chris Burns, brothers and sisters-in-law Alvin and Faye Self, and Charlie and Susie Self, and brothers-in law Albert Parison and Harold Ash.
Georgia Mae was a member of Harmony Church of God in Suches, GA until she moved her membership to Dahlonega Church of God (The Torch) where she remained a faithful member until the Lord called her home. She served in various ministries of the church. Georgia Mae started and directed the youth choir and she was the adult choir director for many years. She was instrumental in starting the gospel singing at Gold Rush by having her choir sing as part of the Sunday activities.
Georgia Mae lived in Kentucky and West Virginia for a number of years when her first husband, Leon Welch, was the supervisor for building major highways in our country. She was fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home mom to her three young boys. The mountains of north GA was always home for Georgia Mae. When she returned home her and her three boys worked together on the family farm. They always started early enough to leave time for fun the rest of the day. They loved to fish together and finding their own bait made it much more memorable.
After her boys were grown and with only an 8th Grade education, Georgia Mae decided to attend Real Estate School at Lanier Technical College. After receiving her real estate license, she established Georgia Gold Realty and she became a successful business woman. Georgia Mae was a broker, developer, and builder. She was hands-on and often used her own hands in the homes she developed. She loved and respected everyone that worked with her and for her.
All through her life Georgia Mae never lost her love for fishing. She would often leave work early, high-heels and all, to do a little fishing. Often, for a laugh, she told of fishing and chasing down a venomous snake and killing it with her high-heel shoes. Georgia Mae was a talented musician and she exposed her children to music and made sure it was a part of their lives.
Survivors include her son and fiancé Charlie George Welch and Melanie Jackson; son Jeffrey Leon Welch, both of Dahlonega; daughter-in-law Donna Welch Reed; grandchildren Stephen Welch, Jamie Welch and Todd Holford, Aaron and Dana Welch, Adam and Mary Welch, Caleb and Sami Welch, Haley Justus, Trahlita Welch, Charlie Leon Welch, T. J. Bruce, and Ryan Gee; great-grandchildren Kenny Page, Melinda Page, Joshua Welch, Nichlaus Welch, Hanna Holford, Sophia Welch, Olivia Welch, Hailey Welch, A. J. Welch, Adrian Page, Brianna Bryant, Tristan Bryant, Chandler Welch, and Kylie Jo Welch; sisters Dorothy Parison and Lena Ash, both of Dahlonega; brother and sister-in-law Ted and Connie Carver Self, Dahlonega; brother Jerry Self, Cornelia; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. P. L. Jones and the Rev. David Masters will officiate. Interment will follow in Dahlonega Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the service hour Wednesday at the funeral home.
To share a memory of Georgia Mae or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega
