Reba Joye Welch

Reba Joye Baccus Lazenby Welch was received into the loving arms of Jesus on December 28, 2023 at Hospice of Wichita Falls. Her departure will leave a huge void for those of us that knew and loved her.  Whether you had the pleasure of meeting Reba just one time or knew her for a lifetime, she made an impact on every person she encountered throughout her time on earth.

Reba was born in Kilgore, Texas on October 1, 1938.  She was the daughter of Ernest and Nita Baccus. Ten years later, the addition of a younger brother, James H. “Jim” Baccus, completed the family.  Reba always said she had prayed for a little brother and they maintained a loving relationship throughout her lifetime.

Her family moved to Wichita Falls, Texas during her sophomore year in high school and she attended Wichita Falls High School.  She married Olie Allen Lazenby Sr.  They had two children, Olie Allen Lazenby Jr and Carla Joye Lazenby.  Reba was an amazing mother, and was very proud and supportive to Allen and Carla while also being a surrogate mother to hundreds of their friends.  

She was active in PTA, and every activity that she was called upon to help with during her lifetime.  Reba was a stay-at-home Mom, but also was a home-based beautician and later worked for The Shopper Newspaper.  First and foremost, a loving mother, but also a mentor, a counselor, and an amazing friend; and as many will testify, she influenced the course of so many lives. Reba was a longstanding member of First Baptist Church and enjoyed attending classes with her fellow members.  Reba did not need a title, she reigned on a throne of love to all.

Always smiling and laughing, this beautiful woman had a heart of gold, and gave unconditional love. Everyone would agree, that there are not enough words to describe Reba, although “sass with class” is one of the best.  She was the light of any gathering with her presence.

Reba later married Virgil Paul Welch.  Though they lived in Wichita Falls, during their marriage, they traveled and had adventures all over the world.  Their home was filled with love, laughter and a welcoming environment for all of their friends and family.

Her only grandson, Robb Lazenby, was born in 1990. She and Robb were extremely close and enjoyed adventures and fun throughout their time together.  Anyone that spoke with Reba would receive all the updates on his life journey, as she was always so proud of him.  She also enjoyed close relationships with several surrogate grandchildren, nieces and nephews as well, whom she deeply loved.

Reba was preceded in death by both parents; her husband, Paul; and one stepdaughter, Alisa Welch. 

She is survived by her son, Olie Allen Lazenby Jr, and his wife Denise of Houston, Texas; grandson, Robb Lazenby of the United Kingdom; her daughter, Carla Joye Fellowes of Wichita Falls Texas; stepdaughter, Stephanie Willis of Yukon, Oklahoma; her brother, Jim Baccus and wife Linda and nieces, Reagan Baccus and Kacey Joye Baccus and family of Houston, Texas; stepsisters, Melina Schubert and family of Seguin, Texas, Voncille Cassady and husband David and family of Austin, Texas; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 24, 2024 in the chapel of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls.  Arrangements are under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls (howf.org)

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com