Lavada Welch

Welch- Myrtice Lavada Welch, age 86, of Macclenny, Florida, peacefully passed away on March 13, 2026, at her residence with her loving family by her side. Lavada was born on December 29, 1939, in Hazlehurst, Georgia, to the late Oscar Bryant Davis and Gertrude Scarborough Davis. She was raised in Hazlehurst and later relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, as a teenager. After graduating from high school, Lavada began her career in bookkeeping. She later furthered her education at Jones College proudly earning her certification as a CPA. Lavada served with several real estate investment companies before completing her career as Controller with C & J Utilities. She was also very active in her communities, serving as President of the Jacksonville Chapter of National Associating of Accountants and after relocating to Baker County in 1971, she previously served as a board member with the Baker County Chamber of Commerce. Lavada enjoyed her work but also treasured the time she spent outside of the office. She loved golfing, fishing, playing bingo, and going out to dinner where she enjoyed trying new restaurants and menus. Above all, Lavada cherished the time spent with her family and especially loved making memories together at Kingsley Lake. Lavada will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her love, kindness, and the many cherished memories she created will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Lavada was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Donald Welch; daughter-in-law, Georgia Hodges; and siblings, Wilma Dean, Faye Conklin, Bud Davis, Randall Davis, and Glena Jones.

Lavada is survived by children, Sheila Brooks of Macclenny, FL, Bruce Hodges of Jacksonville, FL and Robert (Stephanie) Hodges of Texas; brother, Ronnie Davis of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, Ashley Hodges, Aaron Brooks, Taylor (Bo) Read, and Chase Bennett; great grandchildren, Dawson and Grayson Read; along with many extended family members and friends.

A Celebration of Lavada's Life will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 5:00 pm at V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services Chapel with Chaplain Jim Cox officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 – 5:00 pm. The arrangements are under the care and direction of V. TODD FERREIRA FUNERAL SERVICES, 250 North Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063 (904) 259-5700. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family's guest book.