Elizabeth Dell (Young) Felton

Elizabeth Dell Felton 88 of Columbus, Georgia died April 29, 2022 at her residence surrounded by her family.

A celebration of Dell’s life will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, May, 03, 2022 in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, Ga. 31907 with Rev. Rick Mitchell officiating. Interment will be held in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Dell was born April 10, 1934 in Newnan, Georgia daughter of the late Ezra Thomas and Curtis Rogers Young. Dell’s primary occupation as homemaker included many roles such as a confidant, sounding board for advice, volunteer/supporter for all her children’s activities, and, likely the most admirable, a full-time Bob wrangler. Now, while this last role did not come with a paycheck, it did come with many memories, much laughter, and many declarations of “He’s lying through his teeth!”. Dell and Bob exemplified love, loyalty, and dedication throughout the course of their marriage of 64 years. They built a home where extended family gathered, friends were welcomed, and challenges were faced head on. Bob describes her to others as a First Sergeant, and, in many ways, she was. Dell accepted the responsibility for the morale, welfare, and conduct of her family.

Dell’s passion for family guided her life choices. She was happiest when she was helping others, and she enthusiastically prioritized her family’s needs and wants above her own. Dell was always ready with encouragement or a donation of a niche item likely collected decades before. She selflessly traveled the world with Bob’s military career, adopted and raised two sets of children, and supported her family through any means necessary. Her servant’s heart was rooted in her faithfulness to God. She viewed her community as an extension of her family, and she would quietly donate her time and money to those in need.

Dell was unpretentious and many of her accomplishments went without fanfare—which is precisely how she preferred. For example, she earned a master’s degree in experimental psychology from the University of Georgia during the 1950’s--a time when many did not even attend college much less as a woman obtaining an advanced degree. Her passion for puzzles and people did not end with her degree attainment, and she enjoyed besting her family at games and sudoku puzzles.

Dell was not necessarily outgoing, but she greatly appreciated socializing with friends and family. Toward the end of her life, she was often found reminiscing over photographs. Some of her fondest memories were seasonal parties, vacations, and attending milestone events. Dell enjoyed going to the theater and was a supporter of the local arts community. She spent several years of her life volunteering at Calloway Gardens specifically within the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center. In many ways, a butterfly reflects her personality. She was able to adapt and blend into her surroundings, but, despite her efforts to be unassuming, she stood out.

Survivors include her husband Robert “Bob” Felton, her daughters, Kara Felton and Kayla Felton, daughter-in-law, Darlene Flaming and grandson Joshua Felton.

Other than her parents, Dell was preceded n death by her son David Felton and her sisters Jackie Beard, Florrie Melton and Ellen Ritchie.