Helen Collins Welborn, 84, of Cornelia, Georgia, was called home to be with our Lord on April 11th, 2024.
Helen was born in Clarkesville, GA, to Luther and Irene Collins on July 29th, 1939, in a little house that stood on the hill just behind where Crossroads Restaurant is today. After graduating from South Habersham High School in ’57, she was accepted into Hall Co. Hospital’s radiology program where she worked as a radiology tech. In 1958, she met Bud “Judge” Welborn, Jr, of Cornelia, who was on leave from serving in the U.S. Navy, and they were married in 1960. The young couple made their first home in Milton, FL, then Charleston, SC, where their only child, Bud Jr., “Buddy”, was born. In 1968, they moved to California and made the San Diego area their home for the next 49 years. While living in San Diego, Helen worked as a secretary to the Admiral at Navy Hospital and credentialed Navy physicians until her retirement in 2000. Not only was California where Helen lived most of her life, it was where she made her confession of faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at Bancroft Baptist Church of Spring Valley in 1970. Ironically, it was Helen’s son who would first return to Georgia where he had spent many summers visiting his grandparents. Helen and Bud Sr. returned home to Cornelia in 2017 to be closer to their son and other family members. Helen remained married to the love of her life until his death in 2017. Since childhood, Helen was an avid reader. Her readings inspired her desire to travel the world. Helen was highly organized and detailed, serving as president and treasurer on various HOA boards. She learned to invest in and improve homes long before it was popularized like it is today. Also a believer in the benefits of healthy eating and exercise, she was knowledgeable on those subjects.
When it became impossible to live alone, Helen lived out her last years in Demorest at Magnolia Hills Assisted Living, where she continued to make friends. Her sister, Betty Spivey, remained her lifelong closest and most faithful friend. Helen’s son Buddy, Betty, and Helen’s loving caregivers remained by her side at her death.
Smile when you remember Helen and let your tears fall when you miss her, but do not feel sorrow, as those who have no hope. Helen made the most important decision of her life in 1970, and as a result, resides in Heaven today and for all of eternity, in perfect health with our Lord and Savior.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 – “But I would not have you to be ignorant brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”
Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville.
