Mary Welch-Cotton

January 14, 1927 - December 21, 2020

Mary Lee Welch-Cotton was born January 14, 1927 in Eudora, Arkansas to Rev. Willie H. Welch and Artelia Strong Welch. Mary Welch-Cotton confessed Christ and was baptized at an early age at Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Curch in Eudora, Arkansas. She loved the Lord. As a young adult Mary became a member of The ORDER OF EASTERN STAR. Mary moved to Toledo, Ohio for a short time before moving to Pasadena, CA where she resided over 40 years. There she joined Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church and served on the Usher board. Mary believed in hard work, she did domestic work prior to becoming a nurse (CNA today), then to private duty nursing for many years. She left nursing and started her own Daycare. Caring for the children brought her so much joy. Mary decided it was time for a change. She closed her beloved Daycare and moved to Memphis, TN in 1988. She united her membership with Mt Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. F. J. Harris, Sr. There she was on the Missionary Board before her illness. Mary made new friends and adopted herself a God daughter Joyce Owens and a Niece Jackie Hodge. Mary enjoyed studying her bible, doing word puzzles, cooking, sewing, working in her yard and garden, traveling and dressing for any occasion. On December 7, 2019 Mary returned to California (Highland) to live with her daughter due to health conditions. She could no longer live alone. She loved when her beloved granddaughter, Meggan came to visit and braided her hair and when her great grandson, Aron would bring his toys and play at her feet or on her bed. Mary and her best friend of 60 years (Beverly Hurt) were able to visit and reminisce. She reunited with some of her Daycare parents and children. She and her brothers, John L. Welch and Raymond H. Welch spent time together. On December 21, 2020 Mary Welch-Cotton had received her wings and transitioned from St. Bernadine Hospital in San Bernardino, CA to take her set next to our Lord and Savior along with those that had preceded her in death. Parents Rev Willie H. Welch & Artelia Strong-Welch, Sister Artelia Welch, Brothers John D. Welch, Isiah Welch, Rev. Willie B. Welch and Rev. Joel Welch. Mary leaves to cherish her memories: Daughter Gertrude Kennard Anderson; Son-n law Ricky Anderson (Highland, CA); Granddaughter Meggan J. Kennard and Great grandson Aron J. Moye (San Gabriel, CA); Brothers John L. Welch (Blanche) of San Bernardino, CA and Raymond H. Welch (Highland, CA); Sister-n law Carrie L. Welch (Memphis, TN); Uncle W. H. Welch of Texas and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends