Almeda LewisWelch

Almeda Lewis Welch, 92 of Greenville Texas passed away on Thursday, March 6 at the Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma, in Durant Oklahoma of heart failure.   She was recovering from extended illness in the home of her daughter, Sue Layne Walker Heath in Durant.

 Born in Greenville in 1915, she was preceeded in death by her parents, Florence Avonna Stapleton Lewis and James Warren Lewis, her brothers J.W. Lewis and Thomas Calhoun (Son) Lewis and sisters Martha Lewis Horton and Lola Pearl Lewis McHam, her husband H. M. (Mack) Welch, and her great grandson, John Burns. She was also married to Clark Walker (deceased) of Greenville who was the father of three of her children. She is survived by her devoted children, daughter, Sue Heath and son in law Rev John Heath of Durant, Ok; son James Walker and daughter in law Betty Walker of Greenville; daughter, Carmen Walker of Dallas, and son, Terry Welch of Dallas, nine precious grandchildren and their spouses – Gina & Troy Kilgore, Rhonie & Lori Heath, James & Lisa Walker, Shelli & David Wright, Jamie & Burt Van Wie, Tim Heath, Amy & Todd Heath-Bell, Melissa & David Wallace, Derek and Lindsay Walker; numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews and her loving companion Nick Sollenne of Rockwall.
Almeda was the manager of the Stonebridge Villa Apartments for over 39 years until her retirement in September, 2007.  She enjoyed dancing with her Senior Friends on Saturday nights and was a faithful visitor to the Friday night “Wrinkle” Club at the Royal.  She was a friend of many and enjoyed cooking for some of the residents of the apartments when they were ill.  She always wore a beautiful smile and she loved life with a passion for every venture she undertook.  She loved music and often sang in her early years with her sisters.  During her lifetime, our Mother was a role model, not only as a mother, but as a business woman and caring member of the community.  Our family wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of her friends and neighbors in Greenville who have helped us to watch over her these past few years as her health declined.  Many sincere thanks to family friends and to the women of ABWA across the country who showered her with cards this past year to lift her spirits. Almeda was very brave, and she had her quick wit about her til the end, but her body failed and her heart gave out. She loved life so fiercely, but she was exhausted and is now at peace with her Lord. 

A memorial celebration of her incredible life will be held in Greenville, Texas on Saturday, March 15, 2PM at Coker Mathews Funeral Home.  Rev John Heath, Rev David Wright and Rev John Tate will officiate. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, ABWA (The American Business Women’s Association) or your Charity of Choice.