Imani Lenore Welch

Imani L Welch born November 20, 2009, taking her first breath at 2:30 am to AnaLisa Gardea and Lamon Welch. Weighing in at 7lbs and 1oz. Also, present Grandmothers Yolanda Joshua and Rolanda Welch. Granny Yolanda sang to her “You are My Sunshine” the first time she held her and every day she was with her. She was perfect, big, beautiful eyes, long eye lashes and big smile that everyone would praise when they saw her.

During her 1st year of life Imani would stay with Granny and Grandpa she would sing and dance with her Titi Pauline and cousins Donavon and Jaidyn. Jumping into her Granny’s arms when she came to visit, giving big hugs and besos. Sleeping in between Grandpa and Granny because she didn’t want to sleep in her bed. Also visiting her Grandma Rolanda and family. She loved to snuggle and being held by her Grandma Rolanda who called her “Lil Girl” and Daddy who called her “MoMo.”

At 13 months old Imani had an unfortunate accident that resulted in brain injury leaving her vision and hearing impaired, no motor skills, seizures, and Cerebral Palsy, in which she would become wheelchair bound. Granny and Grandpa would eventually become her legal guardians for all her care. There would be numerous doctor’s appointments, hospital stays for seizure control and during her final year stays in hospital for pneumonia.

Imani was such a smart and strong girl. All her nurses would say how she would just smile big when she heard her Granny and Grandpa come home from work.

On the weekends with her mother, she loved to show her DIVA attitude, getting away with not getting her hair done. Eventually, giving in when the blow dryer came on, allowing Mama to braid her hair. Weekends were also for cousin time, sharing her favorite meal of chili cheese dogs or mashed potatoes with her cousins Jaidyn and Donavon. Jaidyn and Imani spent nearly every weekend together watching their favorite movie COCO. Imani also loved to listen to wheels on the bus and waking up to her good morning song on school days.

Eventually, Imani’s brain injury began to take a toll on her body, causing scoliosis and lung infections, hip dysplasia which eventually led to a dislocated hip. Throughout all of her medical issues, Imani woke up every morning with a smile on her face. On March 22, 2021, Imani went in for her 10-hour scoliosis surgery. She was a trooper. The surgery was successful, turning her spine from the letter “C” to 95% straight. Imani instantly grew from 54” to 58”. Almost as tall as her Granny! Even though the surgery was a success, this also took a toll on her body causing lots of pain and muscle spasms.

Imani was admitted to the hospital in April 2021 with pneumonia and an infection, with high fever that the doctors could not identify. She was put on a 10-day antibiotic treatment. She was discharged Sunday May 9, 2021, Mother’s Day. Imani would return to the hospital 2 weeks later.

On this last hospital stay, due to all the pain the trauma to her body took a toll on her brain as well. Resulting in swelling in her brain that the doctors could no longer treat. On May 26 grandparents and mother signed Imani up as an organ donor. On May 27, 2021, at 7:37pm Imani took her last breath and her heartbeat for the last time with her mother and grandparents standing at her side. Our Angel Imani became our hero, changing the lives of 4 organ recipients with her kidneys and optic nerves.

During Imani’s time on earth, she taught us the true definition of unconditional love. To know Imani was to know love, kindness, patience, and strength. She braved through adversity with a smile. And while her family misses her dearly, we know Imani is running and singing wheels on the bus in heaven.

Imani is survived by her Mother AnaLisa Gardea and Father Lamon Welch III. Her brother, Jeremiah Welch, sister Lenora Welch, brother Elijah Welch, sister Elvira Welch, Granny Yolanda Joshua, Grandpa Warren Joshua, Grandmother Rolanda Welch, Grandfather Johnny Bass, Grandfather Ernesto Gardea, Aunt Pauline Magallanez, Aunt Emilia Gardea, Aunt Tia Joshua, Aunt Samantha Gardea, Uncle Julian Gardea, Uncle Samuel Joshua, Uncle Nate Ross Jr., Uncle Lance Ware, Uncle Lavaughn Moore, Cousin Donavon Webster, cousin Jaidyn Wilmore, Cousin Nate Ross III, Cousin LillyAnn Gardea, Cousin Roman Gardea, Cousin Nyla Ross, Cousin Myla Moore, Great Grandmother Edwviges Magallanez, Great Grandmother Doris Patterson, Great Grandfather Warren Joshua Sr.