Sarah Welch Hartley

After 104 years of joyous life, Sarah Welch Hartley peacefully passed away during the evening hours of July 27, 2026, at Heritage Inn in Sandersville. Over her many years, “Grandma Hartley”, as she was called by those who loved her, witnessed a world that evolved and advanced around her; however, one thing never changed: her devotion to Christ.

Sarah Elizabeth Welch was born in Downs, GA, on March 5, 1922, to Edmund Emanuel and Nora Renfroe Welch, the second of three sisters. Sarah was a lifelong resident of Washington County, being raised on her family’s farm. She loved to spend time with her father fishing, hunting, and helping around the homestead. Once she completed her early morning chores around the property, she would attend grade school daily in a one-room schoolhouse in the community of Downs. After completing 8th grade, Sarah began school at Davisboro High School and became a member of the girls’ basketball team, playing on an outdoor dirt court. She graduated as a valedictorian of her 1939 senior class. Later, that same year, on August 20th, Sarah Elizabeth Welch married her forever, Arthur Joseph Hartley of Davisboro. They remained as one for 59 years. Sarah and Arthur moved to Davisboro, where they farmed and raised six children together.

Sarah worked a variety of jobs through her younger years; however, she worked the longest as a homemaker. That said, homemaker was not the most accurate description, as she was a jack of all trades, rising to conquer any task that needed completion. She was a notable chef, seamstress, gardener, hunter, quilter, and believer. No challenge was too great for “Grandma Hartley.” Some of her favorite hobbies included gardening, cooking, watching sports, travelling, bird watching, puzzling, and spending time with and taking care of those she loved. As a devoted and proud member of Davisboro Baptist Church, there was rarely a Sunday that went by without her in the pew. Her faith was one of her strongest attributes that was noted by many. She was known for her devoted service to her Lord and to her family. Her unwavering faith in the Lord was a characteristic that left lifelong impressions on many.

Those who loved her can attest that “Grandma Hartley” was the true epitome of a Southern Christian lady who led with sophistication. However, under that poise was a lady whose personality was unforgettable. Her engaging stories are ones that many will never forget, such as the day, on the way to school, the school bus broke down, and while the driver left for help, Sarah, at just 14, figured she could try her hand at restoration. With success, she fixed the bus and decided to drive the kids to school that day because, as she claimed, there was no need for them to be late. Or the time when the family’s farm was short of a mule, she decided to enlist her children to take the place of the mule and pull the plough through the garden as Sarah led. Many can remember the stories of her being one of the best shots around, ensuring that no squirrels or armadillos were tearing apart her garden.

She will forever be remembered for her wit, grace, selflessness, and strong-willed yet nurturing nature. Everyone that she encountered was able to recognize both her internal and external beauty. She was a gentle, kindhearted soul who cared for others even until her final days. The legacy of deep-rooted Christian faith that she leaves behind is nothing short of admirable. “Grandma Hartley” will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She is preceded in death by her parents: Edmund Emanuel and Nora Renfroe Welch, her sisters: Ruth Barron and Rachel Wood, her brother: Clarence Welch, and her husband Arthur Hartley.

Survivors include her children: Dianne English of Greensboro, Betty Jo Frost of Sandersville, Willis Hartley and his wife Delores of Davisboro, Cheryl Jordan of Sandersville, Mary Berlye and her husband Jay of Decatur, and Joyce Wilson of Sandersville; grandchildren: Tracey English (Dee), Jan Spagnuolo (Carl), Scott Glenn (Felicia), Carla Ramsey, Andrea Howard (Matt), Jason Hartley (Marisa), April Wall (JT), Shannon Whitten, Rebecca Etheridge, Elizabeth Haines (Sean), Virginia Haake (Richard), Mary Charles Howard (Keenan), Melissa Foster (Donald), Eric Johnson (Hannah), Michael Johnson, and Sarah Wilson Green; great grandchildren: Jake Thrift (Lauren), Jaden Thrift, Taylor Ramsey-Bennett (Charles), Ashlan Ramsey, Mandolyn Howard, Kamry Howard, Kaley Palmer (Kevin), Brooks Hartley, Asa Wall, Aiden Wall, Chase Foster, Addison Foster, Will Whitten, Meme Etheridge-Walton, Brittin Haines, Jordan Haines, Bo Haake, Henry Howard, Ruth Howard, Charles Howard, Sarah Kadence Guilin, Joseph Johnson, Jeremiah Johnson, Grace Liotta, Ansley Johnson, Sunny Johnson, and Cleo Johnson and great-great grandchildren: Rosalie Sims and Noah Bennett.

The family will hold a visitation on Thursday, July 30, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at May and Smith Funeral Home. On Friday, July 31, a celebration of life will be held at Davisboro Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m., with a burial service following at Davisboro City Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Mike Brett and Larry Glover. Pallbearers will be Scott Glenn, Tracey English, Eric Johnson, Jason Hartley, Michael Johnson, Keenan Howard, Sean Haines, and Richard Haake. Honorary pallbearers will include the deacons of Davisboro Baptist Church, Arthur James Jr., and Alton Barton.

Additionally, the family would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful staff and caregivers of Heritage Inn for their love and care during her time there.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Davisboro Baptist Church at P. O. Box 70, Davisboro GA 31018.

Please leave condolences at mayandfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.