Billie Jean Welch

Mrs. Billie Jean Welch, 85, formerly of Rose Hill, Virginia, went to rest in the arms of her Savior on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at the Waters in Johnson City, TN. She was the daughter of the late George Dewey and Loretta Abney Lee. In addition to spending time with her children and grandchildren, Billie Jean loved listening to and singing gospel music. She spent a number of years singing with quartets. Billie Jean was a member of Rose Dale Missionary Baptist Church where she attended and sang in the choir for many years before moving to be with her children in Johnson City. In addition to her parents, Billie Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Morris Welch, as well as four sisters and one brother. Survivors include her daughter, Zelda Lee Merrell and her husband Joe; her son, David Welch; two grandchildren, Tracie Walker and her husband Kevin, and Travis Merrell and his wife Robin; and several nieces and nephews. The family of Mrs. Billie Jean Welch will receive friends from 5 to 7 PM Monday, May 8, 2017, in the Morris-Baker Funeral Home. The private graveside committal service will be conducted at 1 PM Tuesday at the Mountain Home National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer?s Foundation or the Gideon?s International.