Pastor Lester Weldon

Pastor Lester G. Weldon, age 70, of Baxley passed away Monday, January 10, 2022 at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

Brother Weldon was born September 26, 1951 in Bushnell, Florida to the late Woodrow Wilson Weldon and the late Irene Pitzer Weldon.   He entered the ministry at the age of 17 and served the Millen Church of God of Prophecy, where he met his wife to be, Geraldine Overstreet. Brother Weldon attended seminary in Cleveland, TN in the 70s, where he got a scholarship for Enthusiasm with Spirit. During his time in seminary, he served as student chaplain and youth pastor, as well as on the Red Cross Board for the Blood Donor program. He later served the Bainbridge Church of God of Prophecy, the Mascotte Church of God of Prophecy and the Auburndale Church of God of Prophecy. While serving at Ocoee Church of God of Prophecy in Ocoee, FL, Pastor Weldon also served as Police Chaplain.

In 1997, Pastor Weldon moved to Baxley, Georgia. He became the pastor of the Baxley Church of God of Prophecy and later founded and became the executive director of the Appling County Food Bank. He also served on the Family Connections Board and in the Appling County Ministerial Alliance. Brother Weldon later became the pastor of the Blackshear Church of God of Prophecy before returning to pastor the Baxley Church of God of Prophecy until his death.

In 2020, he was awarded Citizen of the Year by the Baxley-Appling County Chamber of Commerce and, in 2021, was named an honorary Lions’ member as well as a recipient of the Melvin Jones Award.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Geraldine O. Weldon of Baxley; daughters & sons-in-law, Suzette & Jeff Spainhoward and Rebecca & Robert Sparks all of Baxley; sister & brother-in-law, Patricia & Bobby Musgrove of Millwood; brothers & sisters-in-law, John H. & Gail Weldon of Micanopy, FL, Larry & Carolyn Weldon of Gainesville, FL, W.W. Weldon, Jr. of Satsuma, FL, Ronnie & Jacqueline Weldon of Statesboro, Wayne Weldon of Gainesville, FL and Curtis & Susie Weldon of Newberry, FL. Grandchildren, Leslie (Michael) Beecher, Garret Williams, Kayla Spainhoward and Andrew Williams; and a great grandchild, Lane Marie also survives.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. from the Baxley Church of God of Prophecy with Bishop Billy Adams, Pastor Tom Rice, Pastor Bobby Musgrove and Pastor Andrew Kersey officiating. Interment will follow in Appling Memorial Gardens.

Bro. Weldon will lie in state one hour prior to the service at the Church.

Active pallbearers will be Michael Beecher, Garret Williams, Josh Crews, Andrew Williams, Michael Musgrove and Anthony Williams.

Honorary pallbearers will be Pastors & Ministers Church of God of Prophecy and Appling County Food Bank Volunteers.

Remembrances may be to the Appling County Food Bank P.O. Box 528, Baxley, Georgia 31515.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.