Rachel Armour Wiley Almand (UPDATED)

Rachel Armour Wiley Almand, age 89 of Lula, Georgia took her heavenly flight home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 1, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Hall County on July 10, 1935, she was a daughter of the late Taft "Tutt" and Leler Bell Dodd Armour. She leaves behind a legacy imbued with love, warmth, and cherished memories, as she was a true matriarch of her family. Rachel dedicated herself to her career at Ethicon, but it was her roles as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother that truly defined her life. She loved gardening, cooking dinners for her beloved family, and spending precious moments with those she held dear. Her remarkable servant's heart extended to everyone she met, effortlessly brightening their lives through her kindness. "Her children arise up and call her blessed." ~ Proverbs 31:28

A faithful member of New Haven Congregational Holiness Church, Rachel's spirit resonated through her passion for traveling, going to gospel singings, and enjoying the delightful pleasure of shopping — particularly her high-heeled shoes, which she wore with elegance and style. Her personality drew friends from all walks of life, and she embraced them with open arms.

Rachel's memory will be lovingly upheld by her son and daughter-in-law, Mike & Teresa Wiley; her daughters and sons-in-law, June & Stanley Bonds, Joan Faye & David Dyer. Her grandsons, Trail Wiley and Jimmy Fay Wiley, II, and granddaughter, Dovie Wiley Samples, as well as her cherished great-grandchildren, McKenzi, Trinity, and Colton Samples, will carry forward the joy she brought into their lives. She is also survived by her sister, Ann Armour Magness; brothers and sisters-in-law, Daniel & LouNell Armour and Joseph & Doris Armour; her brothers-in-law, Freeman Oliver and Baxter Smith; and sister-in-law, Sue Seitz-Armour. Additionally, Rachel is survived by her step-children, Robin Almand & family and Kelly & Doug Atkinson & family, her special niece, Robbie Ann Cook, who was like a daughter to her, and her husband, Stanley; numerous other special nieces, nephews, other relatives & a host of friends.

Rachel was preceded in death by her first husband, Jimmy Fay Wiley, her second husband, Leon Almand, and her beloved sister, Mary Magaleen Armour Oliver. She joins her brother, David Armour, and brothers and sisters-in-law, Moses & Frankie and Jacob & Mattie Jean Armour, along with her brother, Jerry. Her cherished brother-in-law, Rev. Robert Magness, also awaits her with open arms.

Funeral services are rescheduled for 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2025 from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Rev. Bobby Griffin & Rev. Scotty Poole officiating. Interment will follow in the Clemmons Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour on Thursday.

An online guest registry is available for Rachel's family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com

On behalf of Rachel, the family would like to thank her caregiver, Nowana Mize, Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center Staff, Dr. Shane Bussler, and the wonderful folks of Riverside Pharmacy.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.