"Lucy" Welch

Ella Lorena Welch, “Lucy,” age 80, passed away peacefully on Aug 19, 2020 due to GBM – an aggressive brain tumor.  The oldest of 4 children, she was born on Sep 2, 1939 in Franklinton, LA to Obie and Lula Dea Jenkins.

She was predeceased by her parents; and her brother Arthur.

Lucy married the love of her life, Levi Welch, in Vacaville, CA in Dec 1968, who preceded her in death in 2001. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sherri and Steven Funk, who were with her during this challenging last year; her four grandchildren, Sean, Derek, and Kristen Funk, and Leslie (Eberdt) and her husband Antoine Mosneron Dupin ; and by her sister and brother-in-law, Katherine and Larry Jenkins of Franklinton LA; and her sister Linda Pierce of Helena, MO.

Lucy loved her 21 years career as an officer and military nurse in the U.S. Air Force, and then continued service as a government civilian nurse for an additional 20 years.  She was fiercely patriotic and a supporter of causes to help others.  Lucy loved people, and would take the time to talk and listen to others.  While she may have presented herself as a firm and strong woman, knowing her would reveal her soft and caring soul.

Lucy loved to travel!  During their time together, Lucy and Levi were fortunate to share many Air Force assignment locations, and Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines was a favorite.  You can imagine the fun this nurse and that pilot stirred up, all around the world!  Returning to the U.S. and being able to settle down in the south, and later the coast of Mississippi, was her lifelong goal.

Lucy was a highly active retiree!  After Hurricane Katrina, she served three years as President of the local Military Officers Association, which persevered during those trying times.  She then served on their Board of Directors and was most recently the organization’s Personal Affairs Officer.  She also volunteered at the Military Retiree Office at Keesler Air Force Base, was on the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Coast Veterans Day Parade, was very active with the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, and was an Ambassador for the organization.  She also volunteered for the USO at the Gulfport Airport, and as a greeter for Center Stage Productions.  Her death is truly a sad and heartbreaking loss to our Mississippi Gulf Coast, our local military organizations, and to all her many friends.

COVID restrictions limit us to a small, private service at Riemann Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road in Biloxi at 11:30 a.m., on Thursday, Aug 27, 2020.  However, there will be a live stream provided on the Riemann website (www.riemannfamily.com), and weather permitting, a small procession to her burial site at the VA National Cemetery in Biloxi.

Lucy genuinely loved her many friends and acquaintances. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers. RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Biloxi, is proudly serving this Veteran’s family.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS – please consider a memorial donation to either St. Jude Children’s Hospital (stjude.org, 866-278-5833 ), or Shriner’s Hospital for Children (donate.lovetotherescue.org, 877-762-2064 ).