Vivian Welch

Vivian Welch passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 11, completing her life of love and devotion. She was born November 26, 1934 in Gilchrist County, FL to Joe Keith Matthews, Sr. and Lessie Mae Mathis Matthews. She graduated from Trenton High School in 1952, where she met the love of her life, J. David Welch, Jr. They married Labor Day weekend of 1955 and began a life together bound by faith, family, and friends.

Mr. David and Mrs. Vivian were together this side of heaven for nearly 62 years. They raised three children with unconditional love and provided for several others who needed a safe haven from time to time. They were BB and Granny to four grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, each of whom was Granny's favorite. Mr. Welch beat her to Heaven in August of 2017 and we know the reunion on Wednesday was sweet.

Mrs. Welch is survived by her daughters Mary Ann (Carl) Johnson and Wini (Toby) Weeks, son Jim Welch, grandchildren Jason (Denett) Johnson, James (Jennifer) Johnson, Joshua (Ashlee) Johnson, Taven (Colby) Bennett, and great-grandchildren Bryson, Landon, Jenny-Lynn, Jonah, Isaac, Rylee, Zane, Canaan, Reina Vivian, Mayree, Elise, Carlee, and Anna Vivian. She also leaves behind her church family at Cherry Sink Church of Christ and a host of extended family and friends who are better for having known her.

Granny was known for her Christian example and BB always said he'd rather have her chance of going to Heaven than anyone else's. We will miss her kind and welcoming spirit, sign language I Love You's, and joyous giggles. Her beauty was a light from the inside out and her smile reflected her sweet soul. Everybody she loved was absolutely perfect in her eyes and could do no wrong, even when they did.

In honor of Mrs. Welch's memory, the family asks that you eat one little tiny piece of every single dessert you're ever offered, take potato soup to the sick, count the deer, paint a piece of furniture country blue, use binoculars to look for birds, pray for the best, sit tight with the people you love, and remember that life is good, good, good!

Graveside service was held Saturday, August 14th, at 10:00 am, at Cherry Sink Cemetery (Bethel Baptist) in Trenton, FL, with Mr. John Zellner officiating. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home, Trenton, FL. 352-463-8888. www.WatsonMilton.com