Marie Welch

Marie Shuffler Welch, 90, passed away at her home in Chattanooga on August 5, 2015. Her final months were spent surrounded by family and many of the multitude of friends that she cherished from her church, neighborhood, and service organizations as well as former co-workers and family friends.

Born in Cary, NC to a family of seven children, Marie attended Millbrook HS, Meredith College (NC) as a member of their basketball team, and UTC. She spent her chosen career as a middle and high school teacher in North Carolina, Virginia, and Chattanooga and served as a high school basketball coach during her early career days. She retired from Hamilton County Schools in 1987.

Marie was a long-time member of Brainerd Baptist Church and the Fidelis Sunday School Class. She stayed active throughout her lifetime serving in her church in WMU, church circles, and particularly as co-director of the homebound program. She was also an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Family and Consumer Science Sorority, and Freedoms Foundation. She is widely known for her kindness and service to friends, family, and those in need.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Welch, and her son, Les Welch, as well as siblings, Paul, Clarence, Raymond, Robert, and Effie (Tiny).

Marie will be sorely missed by her daughter, Pat W. Bartley ; granddaughters, Sara and Leslie Marie Welch; Becky Welch; sister, Lois Edwards (Bill) of Cary, NC and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Many Carolina basketball teams and the Atlanta Braves have lost one of their most dedicated cheerleaders as well.

Memorial services will be held Sunday, August 9, at 3:00 pm in the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Dr. Steve Rowland officiating. A private interment will be on Monday at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1-3 Sunday.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to some of Marie’s favorite charities: Brainerd Baptist Church Missions, the Salvation Army, Chattanooga Area Food Bank, Chattanooga Rescue Mission, or Hospice of Chattanooga.