Maude Augusta Welch Baldwin, 104 of Franklin entered into eternal rest on January 1, 2008. Born in 1903, she was the first of fifteen children born to Wilburn and Alice Kimsey Welch. The family moved from Swain County to the Lower Burningtown community of Macon County when Maude was a child.

She was married in 1923 to one of Macon County's finest carpenters, Donald Judson Baldwin, who passed away in 1976 after 53 wonderful years of marriage. Also preceding her in death was an infant daughter, Betty Lou; six brothers, Frank, Ralph, Howard, Bill, Edgar, Fred, and Kenneth; three sisters, Eula Welch, Lucy Catway, and Adibell Stanley; one son-in-law, Robert (RL) Crawford; and one grandson, Jerry Alan Hubbell.

Survivors include two sisters; Muriel Welch of the old home place, and Joanna Hedrick and husband John of Charlotte. Two brothers also survive; Paul and wife Louise of Franklin and Lewis and wife Peggy of Jefferson City, Tennessee. Maude has three surviving children; Charles Baldwin of the home, Thelma Crawford of Sylva, and Nell Hubbell and husband Clarence of Sylva.

Grandchildren by Thelma include Bob Crawford and wife Angie of Sylva, and Linda Robinson and husband John of Charleston, South Carolina. Grandchildren by Nell include Sharon Davis and husband Carl of Webster, Rebecca Barr and husband Bill of Franklin, and Elizabeth Medford and husband Mitchell of Austin, Texas. Her very special great-grandchildren include Caleb Crawford, Sarah Barr, and Matthew Barr. She had numerous nieces and nephews as well as many friends, all of whom were treasured.

Maude started teaching school at age 16 in Aquone, NC. Some students in the "primer" were older than she was. After marriage and children, she resigned and worked as a seamstress from her home and from a shop in Franklin. Some of her friends still have wedding gowns and dresses made by her over fifty years ago. At age 55 she was employed by Belk's of Franklin as a sales associate and buyer of domestics. After retiring at age 66, she continued to work part-time until age 80. She also volunteered at Maco Crafts.

Maude attributes her 104 years as a blessing from the Lord, serving others, and a lot of hard work that began many years age when she took care of her siblings and toiled on the farm. Through the present time, she has continued enjoying life, sewing her treasured little aprons, doing household chores and showering joy, happiness, and gifts on all those around her. Maude loved her 1963 Chevy Nova, which she drove until age 93 as well as her black cat "Inkey", which she had for 18 years. She brought a ray of sunshine to all who knew her. Those who were blessed by knowing her will always remember her kind, caring, and gentle spirit.

A Funeral Service will be held in the chapel of Macon Funeral Home in Franklin at 2 pm on Saturday, January 5th with pastors Harold Ball, Radford Penland and Jim Dusek officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Burningtown Baptist Church cemetery.

Those desiring to make memorial donations in lieu of flowers are encouraged to consider the Burningtown Baptist Church Cemetery Fund c/o Bill Simonds, 279 Edwards Road, Franklin, NC 28734.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com