Esther Ola Sumner Welch

Esther Welch Obituary

Esther Ola Sumner Welch - Savannah -Esther Ola Sumner Welch, 66, of Savannah, died Monday, Dec. 25, 2006 at Candler Hospital. She was born in Belle Glade, Fla, and was a member of Riverside Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, Gordon M. "Don" Welch, of Savannah, GA; daughter, Barbara Christoph Dowty, of Man of War, Bahamas; four sons, Charles Ronald Barefield, Jr., of Chesapeake, Virginia; David Barefield, Sr., Savannah, GA; Thomas Barefield, of St. Petersburg, FL; and Russell Barefield of Cummings, GA; brother, Eddie Sumner, of Savannah, GA; two sisters, Faye Lewis of Welch, NC, and Valera Richardson, of Guyton, GA; 10 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Fairhaven Funeral Home. Funeral Services: 11 a.m. Friday at Riverside Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Black, Officiating. Mrs. Welch will be taken to the church Friday at 9:30 a.m. to lie in state. Interment: Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. Fairhaven Funeral Home & Crematory 2794 US Highway 80 West Savannah, GA 31408 (912)-964-2862 www.fairhavenfuneral.com Savannah Morning News December 27, 2006 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at www.savannahnow.com

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Published by Savannah Morning News on Dec. 27, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Esther Welch

12 Entries

Deborah Webb

January 8, 2007

Papa Don,
you know you and Mema were a third set of grandparents for our children- Ernest, Caitlin and Nora. Gary and I were so blessed 21 (almost 22) years ago to meet the both of you and become accepted into Mema's wonderful world of childcare and first time parent care. For a lot of us first time parents-Mema's wisdom and love were invaluable. I will never forget Mema saying one the best ways to sweeten a little ones disposition was with a cookie. Cookies and a Mema Hug could brighten anyones day. Since her passing on Christmas Day, so many memories and emotions have come up. I still have a 9 year old who feels her passing most keenly in our family. I explained to her that God needed the BEST babysitter he could find- and the fact that Mema loved Christmas so much was somehow appropriate- heartbreaking all the same.Gary, Nora and I visited "Mema" yesterday and brought flowers from our garden. She said Mema would love those the best. We love you and Barbara and the boys. You have all been like family for years now. You are all in our daily prayers. We loved our Mema!!

Ethel Stewart

December 29, 2006

Sorry to hear of Esters passing. We bowled together many years, but have lost contact. All the old bowlers will be thinking of her often and will remember the family in our prayers. Good bye Sweet Ester.

Liz Purdee

December 28, 2006

I'm sorry to hear that Esther passed away. I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers.

Donna M Welch Geabhart

December 28, 2006

We were sorry to hear of the passing of Esther. Our thoughts and prayers go to Don and Esther's family. God bless you all and know that she suffers no more.

Anna Welch

December 28, 2006

We were so sorry to hear about Miss Esther. She was loved by all of us and will be greatly missed but we know she is in a better place. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we know your memories will bring you lots of comfort. We Love you Don and are always here for you.
Anna Marie & Carey Welch Rogers,AR

Rudy & Cyndy Hodges

December 28, 2006

We were so sorry to hear of Esthers
passing.. we only met her once through Greg & Dunice, but that one
time was memorable and full of love.
May the good Lord bless all of you and help you find peace.

Christopher Morris

December 27, 2006

There was and only will be a "Me-ma" Welch

She became a part of my family when my daughter, Brady, was very young along with the "twins"

Her care she gave those girls was unselfish and family-like. She was family and loved each child deeply and return each child loved her. However, not only did she take care of the children, she often counseled the parents in her sweet way. I, personally, can vouch for that.

Her Christmas parties were legendary and full of love and for her to pass on that day I find it appropriate - but with sadness a great loss.

She did love her whole family and her "adopted kids" and most went with her to Vacation Bible School in the summer at her beloved church, Riverside.

I wish Papa Don the best and am sorry for his and all the family's and children's loss.

Esther, you were one in a billion and we will miss you incredibly.

We love you Mema!

Daisy Harrison

December 27, 2006

Mrs. Ester will be sorely missed by family and friends. Our love and our hearts go out to Don and all the family.
Daisy and Jack Harrison

GLORIA & AUTRY FARRIS

December 27, 2006

SUNSHINE, I AM SO SORRY ABOUT ESTER. THERE IS NOTHING TO SAY TO HELP THE HURT AND PAIN ALL OF YOU ARE FEELING. BUT MY HEART AND PRAYERS GOES OUT TO YOU. DEATH IS SO HARD TO EXCEPT,BUT GOD KNOWS BEST. GOD BLESS YOU.

Myrtle Parnell

December 27, 2006

Aunt Esther as we called her(she was acually a couisn)Was what I called the Monarch of the Horton Family. She keep the Family reunions happening and had such an impact on me after I joined the family showing me such love and acceptance, I am married to Charlie Parnell, Ida Horton Parnell Davis, son. She will truly be missed by all.But she is in a better place sitting with Jesus and with Grandpa Horton telling him all about his great big wonderful family.

Shannon Osborne

December 27, 2006

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Mrs. Esther will be deeply missed. She was such an inspiration to us all. We love you.

Shannon Osborne and Family

Mark Stevens

December 27, 2006

Esther or MeMa as so many liked to call her was one of those special people that we all loved. MeMa was a positive influence and role model for so many children including my own. We will all miss her and mourn her passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Don and the rest of MeMa's family. We love you all.

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