Hazel Irene Welch

Hazel Irene Alexander Welch…

Was delivered by a midwife on September 9, 1929, in Beirne, AR.  She was the beloved daughter of the late Alfred and Mary Bozman Alexander Snowden.  As a young child, “Red”, as she was often and lovingly called, realized her God-given gift of song.  As she grew, she regularly shared her gift with her family, church family, and others.  She would often reminisce about singing with her dad as he played guitar.  Love of and time with her family was the solid foundation upon which she built her life.

Hazel professed her faith in Christ at an early age and united with St. Clair Baptist Church of Burtsell, AR.  She was a lifelong member that could always be counted upon to help, especially during special services, with a warm welcome or a thoughtful speech.  She was an active deaconess and was president of the choir.  Hazel was also an avid supporter of the Southwest District Association, Section 1A, and proudly represented St. Clair in the choir during 5^th Sunday Services.  She was best known for leading the song, “Trouble In My Way”.

Hazel did not have the opportunity to graduate from high school.  Her school burned down and, unfortunately, she did not have reliable transportation to attend elsewhere.  She did not, however, let those circumstances hinder her education.  She still managed to learn to read and write proficiently and excelled at all that she put her mind to.  She worked hard and became a certified nurse’s assistant.  She was employed by Hillcrest Nursing Health and Rehabilitation in Prescott, AR, for over 30 years.  She loved her patients and was passionate about caring for all who needed assistance.

Hazel was united in holy matrimony to Joe F. Welch on January 15, 1958.  They were blessed to blend their families and raised 13 children together. Of all of her notable titles and respected positions, two stand out: super mother and sweetest grandmother.

In her leisure time, Hazel enjoyed singing, canning, cooking, and playing checkers.  She enjoyed watching “The Young and the Restless”, “Walker, Texas Ranger”, and she was a basketball fan.  She also loved her car and took excellent care of it; she would remind anyone she allowed to drive it that they “better put gas in it, too”.  If you knew her, then you knew of her love of dressing fashionably.  Hats and heels were favorites of hers.  Hazel lived her life to the fullest and encouraged everyone to do the same.  She made friends everywhere she went and was a firm believer of greeting everyone; if someone didn’t speak to her, she would gently call them into check by reminding them that “It doesn’t cost anything to speak.”  She was a true servant, in every sense of the word.  She selflessly gave her time, talents, and treasures to several people, causes, and church events.  Hazel was a true jewel of a woman and will be missed by many.

Hazel was preceded in passing by her loving husband, Joe F. Welch; five children: Bobby Dixon, Harry Sanders, Annie Mooreland, Laverne Talley, and Bennie Welch; and a granddaughter that she raised as her own, Takia Williams.

She leaves a lifetime of love and memories with her children: Laura Davis of Chicago, IL, Hossie (Jacqueline) Welch of Yucaipa, CA, Loretha Roberts of Flint, MI, Zandra (Andrew) Welch Blevins of Memphis, TN, Bobbie Franklin of Gurdon, AR, Raymond Welch, Sr. (Dawn Jackson) of Rockford, IL, Lois (John) Ware of Arkadelphia, AR, and a bonus daughter, Louise Cook of Gurdon, AR.  She also leaves cherished memories with a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister, Patricia Robinson of Rockford, IL; her special friends: Norris Butler, Emma Cooks Hardamon, Ruth Adams, and Mae Marlow; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and the St. Clair Baptist Church Family.

Public visitation will be Friday, March 12, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Services will be at the Cabe Auditorium at Gurdon High School at noon on Saturday, March 13, 2021, with Rev. Ivory Curry, officiating. Interment will be at Shady Grove Cemetery in Beirne.

Pallbearers will be David Young, Danny Hart, Johnny Hale, Jordan Pope, Dana Gentry and Kiarron Summerville.