Clara Jean Welch, 89, masterful storyteller, departed this earth on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at NMMC-Tupelo. Clara Jean was born on her maternal grandfather’s place in Pontotoc on December 19, 1933, to Thedford Walls and Ruby Wood Walls Garrison. She graduated from Algoma High School in 1951 and went to Memphis to live for the next 26 years. Possessed with strong management skills and business sense, Clara Jean’s earliest work career included managerial responsibilities at Union Planters Bank. She married Glendon Welch of Ecru, on February 23, 1957, and together they cut a very wide path of love, travel, adventure, and laughter for 66 years. They had 3 daughters who Clara Jean was completely devoted to, and she was always a rock in their daily lives. Forever the pioneer and independent woman, she was one of the first female homebuilders in Memphis. Always moving her clan around in her new homes in Shelby County, TN, she mastered the art of moving efficiently to a tee! Clara Jean was very active at Oakhaven Baptist and then at Germantown Baptist having served in many capacities as Sunday School teacher, Training Union leader, WMU officer, and youth sponsor. After her daughters went to college, she and Glendon opened and operated 3 clothing stores for several years until the travel bug got hold of them and never let go! Off they went all over the world, seldom at home long before taking off on their next adventure.
Clara Jean was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Danny Walls; and brother, Joe Garrison.
She leaves her husband Glendon, daughter, Dawn (Ken) McCarley of Madison, daughter, Karen Bedford of Pontotoc, daughter Julie Welch of Oxford, and sister, Cecilia Atkins of Bartlett, TN. Also, her 5 grandsons Bryce Touchstone, Evan McCarley, Austin (Charlotte) McCarley, Breck (Jennifer) Bedford, and Brad Bedford, and 5 great grandchildren: Clare (named for her Mimi), Fletcher, Camron, Caleb, and Caylee. She also leaves 3 nephews: Dan Walls, Kevin Walls, and Joey Atkins.
Visitation will be 3-5PM Sunday, August 6, 2023, at Baldwin Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc followed by a celebration of her life. A private family burial will follow at Ecru Cemetery at sundown. Baldwin Memorial Funeral Home of Pontotoc is in charge of arrangements. Her grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers.
Her husband, daughters, and their families, and sister are grieving because we invested heavily in her and counted on her for daily guidance and purpose in our lives, but we do not grieve without hope. She is in that land that is fairer than day and we will join her, and the circle will never be unbroken.
