A celebration of the life of Mrs. Nell Whelchel Wiegand will take place at 11AM Wednesday May 18th, 2011 at Gainesville First United Methodist Church. The service will be preceded with graveside services at 10:00AM at Alta Vista Cemetery. Mrs. Wiegand passed away on Monday May 16th, 2011.
A Gainesville, GA native, graduate of Gainesville High School and a graduate of the University of Georgia, "Nell", as she was lovingly known, was a community volunteer extraordinaire. Her volunteer service covered a wide spectrum of interests but her greatest loves were her church, Gainesville First United Methodist and Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
Nell was a lifelong member of the church where she taught Sunday School, served on Church Council, Children's Council, was a Bible Buddy, Chaired the Memorial Committee for many years and served on the History Committee.
A founding member of The Medical Center Auxiliary, Nell made sandwiches and cakes for the staff in preparation for the opening of Hall County Hospital in 1951. That was only the beginning of her service. She went on to serve the Auxiliary in almost every capacity, including President. She was honored as the Auxilian of the Year in 1981, and the Auxiliary's Patient Friend Award was named in her honor in 2001. At the April 17th, 2011 annual meeting of the Auxiliary, Nell was honored with a commendation from Governor Nathan Deal recognizing her service of 60 years to the health system. Her warm smile, words of comfort and encouragement were her trademark qualities that benefited patient, families and staff.
In addition to the Auxiliary her service included serving as a member of the Hospital Authority, including a term as chair. She was the founding chair of The Medical Center Foundation and served as chair emeritus at the time of her death.
Other areas that benefitted from Nell's commitment to volunteerism include, Brenau University Board of Trustees; President, Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County; member and past president, Gainesville Study Club; member and past president, The Book Club; Mentor, Gainesville City School System; volunteer, Lakeview Academy; and Phi Mu Sorority.
A recipient of the Rotary Woman of the Year Award, Nell was also recognized by the Girl Scouts as the 2003 Woman of Distinction, and in 2009 she was one of three people to receive the Ralph Cleveland Distinguished Citizen Award from the Boy Scouts.
Nell was preceded in death by husband of 50 years, Frank Wiegand; parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Pinckney Whelchel; and sister, Mrs. Shirley Whelchel McCool.
She is survived by her two daughters and son-in-laws: Mary Beth and Jim Begley, Ginny and Al Crumley, Gainesville, GA. Six grandchildren: Lauren and husband Gary Papka, Royston, GA; Nathan Crumley, Will Crumley and Don Crumley, Marinel Wood and Trey Wood, all of Gainesville, GA. Great grandson, Cooper Papka, Royston, GA; Brother and sister-in-law, Pinckney and Dot Whelchel, Albany, GA; special friends: Dr. and Mrs. Frank (Jane) Lake, Dr. and Mrs. Pierpont F. (Clarissa) Brown, Gainesville, GA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Medical Center Foundation/Radiation Oncology 2150 Limestone Pkwy. Gainesville, GA 30501 or Gainesville First United Methodist Church 2780 Thompson Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506.
Those wishing to make online condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com
Little-Davenport Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
