ANN JAMES WELDON

Ann James Weldon, 87, was born in Memphis on May 16, 1924 to Dr. David H. and May Rudd James. She passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2012. She spent her life in Memphis attending Little Flower School, St. Agnes Academy, Miss Hutchison’s and graduating from Central High School. She was president of La Jeunesse and represented Les Passees “New Years Eve” cabaret. Also involved in the Cotton Carnival for several years and was a former Royal Cotton Carnival Maid. She served as Publicity chairman for the 11th annual Children’s and Teenagers Ball held at Crump Stadium, highlight of Cotton Carnival week. Ann received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southwestern (now Rhodes College) University. She also received her Law degree from Southern Law School (now University of Memphis), passed the Bar and was introduced into the practice of law in Memphis. She was married to William K. “Tag” Weldon (a former representative to the State of Tennessee.) Tag was from Tulsa Oklahoma. Their wedding ceremony was in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on June 17, 1944. After two wars they returned to Memphis where Tag began his Law Practice. Ann worked as a substitute teacher and at the old Press Scimitar while still enjoying her social helpfulness. She was a founding member of Our Home and Garden Club, Les Passees, the Women’s Exchange and Madonna Circle. Ann was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, as well as member of Fleur de Lis and St. Louis Guild. Mrs. Weldon was very active in the Republican Party. She served as Women’s Co-Chairman and was appointed to the Shelby County Election Commission, serving 18 years. She was the first woman to hold the position of the Chairman. She was preceded in death by her son, William K. “Kim” Weldon, Jr. and her husband, William K. “Tag” Weldon. She is survived by her two daughters, Karen W. Rhea and Beth W. Gallagher, seven grandchildren, Lee, Kim, Tony, Ann Marie, Kaci Rhea, and Allison and Will Gallagher, five great grandsons and two great granddaughters. She is also survived by her two brothers, David H. James of West Memphis, AR, and Thomas R. James of Memphis. Her social background led to several ventures, Ann and her mother started the “Children’s Day at the Zoo” as well as a newsletter “The Memphis Blues.” Since her husband was in the Navy, they became friends with the men stationed at the Millington Naval Base. The ladies decided to write the men here and overseas. The pages were tidbits from girlfriends, wives, and gossip style news. Their first issue was sent to 97 service men, and caught on like wildfire. She and her friends stuffed Christmas stockings for the service men, 1000 of them. Mrs. Weldon and a friend Mrs. Booth, started the gift of giving program. St. Peter’s Orphanage love, help and giving. She made sure each child had written a wish to Santa (as well as all orphans in Memphis.) Then she and about 30 friends went around town and asked people to pick a letter so those children would get their gift from Santa. Their idea grew and became sponsored by “Les Etrennes.” The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the service time at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2012 at St. Louis Catholic Church, 203 S. White Station Rd. Memphis, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Burn Unit at The Med or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Memorial Park Funeral Home, "Behind the stone wall", 901-767-8930. Condolences may be offered at www.MemorialParkOnline.com