Sheila C. Welch, age 70, of Russellville, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2019 at her residence after a long and courageous battle.
Sheila was a loving wife, a good friend to all who knew her, and especially loved her cats and dogs. She was of the Baptist faith.
The visitation will be 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 22, 2019 at Spry Memorial Chapel. The funeral will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel with Bro. Buford Parker officiating. Burial will be at Spruce Pine Cemetery.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred & Vernell Smith; father-in-law, Gene Welch; brother-in-law, John Patterson; and cousin, James Hulsey.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 28 years, William “Shorty” Welch; children, Michael Smith (Laurie Lou), Edward Smith (Jennifer), Kim Kates (Leevonnie), Crystal Bailey (James); 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; siblings, Marge Ryan (Tom), Mickey West (Bob), Linda Stephens (Tony), Sharon Clark, Karen Colon; special niece, Jennifer McMillan; mother-in-law, Joann Welch Miller; sister-in-law, Wanda Patterson (Buddy); and niece, Alexis Patterson.
The pallbearers will be Jonathan Strickland, Kenneth Roberts, Brian Woodall, David Kennedy, Wade Sherrell, and Hudon Franklin.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff of Keller Hospice; Michelle Adams, Grace Gunn, Sherry Davis; and sister-in-law and caregiver, Wanda Patterson for the love and care shown to our family during this time.
Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family.
