Frankie Welch

1924 - 2021

Frankie Welch

March 29, 1924 - September 2, 2021

Frankie Welch, 97, died peacefully at her home at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge on September 2, 2021, with her daughters by her side.

Frankie is survived by her two daughters, Peggy Welch Williams (Page) of Charlottesville, and Genie Welch Leisure (David) of Deer Valley, Utah; three grandchildren, Lindsay Williams Dota (Bryan) of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Kevin Page Williams (Dana) of Charlotte, N.C., and Ramsey Ratcliffe Stewart (Charles) of Salt Lake City, Utah; and great-grandchildren Anneslee Page Dota, Emma Mae Dota, and Rowan James Williams. Frankie loved her family and we are grateful for our many memories of good times together with her.

Frankie was born Mary Frances Barnett in Rome, Georgia, on March 29, 1924. She married her childhood sweetheart William Calvin Welch (1921-1975) during World War II on June 3, 1944. Frankie studied Clothing and Design at Furman University and did post-graduate work at the University of Georgia, Athens and the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

In 1952, the family moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where Frankie offered private fashion consulting and taught classes at the University of Maryland. While teaching at Washington & Lee High School in 1959 she was honored by Ingenue Magazine to attend Fashion Weeks in Paris and Milan. She was a 50-year resident of Alexandria and enjoyed many friendships there. She was active in her community as a member of the

Twig Hospital auxiliary and the Alexandria Rotary Club. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Churches in Alexandria and Charlottesville.

In 1963, she opened her shop, Frankie Welch of Virginia, in Old Town Alexandria in the historic Duvall House. Customers included many members of the Washington community from the 60s thru the 80s, notably First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, and Rosalyn Carter, and many Congressional, diplomat and Governors' wives. Frankie Welch is credited to bringing high end retail and acclaim to Alexandria and contributed to historical Old Town's resurgence.

A highlight of her career was the gift from First Lady Betty Ford to the First Ladies Hall of the Smithsonian Institution of her gown designed by Frankie. She is however best known in the fashion world for her over 4,000 scarf and fabric designs. As she retired to Charlottesville in 2001, Frankie continued to wear and collect scarves.

The family wishes to acknowledge with gratitude Rhonda Bowles, her longtime dear friend and caregiver. She and Frankie shared much laughter and love. Frankie enjoyed her years at Westminster, engaging with many friends and the entire community. She always had a kind word and a compliment to all. We also send our thanks to the Staff of Westminster Canterbury, who showed Frankie such affection and compassion for the 20 years she lived there.

A private family graveside service will be held at Monticello Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge Foundation, 250 Pantops Mountain Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

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