Johnathan Benjamin Welch

Johnathan was born on November 17, 1990 in Laurel, MS, the son of Penny and Paul Hulan.

Surviving is his mother, Penny Hulan; father, Paul Hulan; daughter, Ava Welch; sister, Morgan Hulan; brother, Max Hulan; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Lewis and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ivey; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Preceding Johnathan in death is his maternal grandfather, Don Bush; paternal grandmother, Mitzi O’Brien; paternal grandfather, Will Hulan; and great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. L.G. Lewis and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Benjamin White.

To many, Johnathan was known as “Benji”. He was a firm believer in God, and one of his favorite sayings was “On, God”. He would often tell whoever he was speaking to that he would pray for them, and he would do just that.

Brilliant, talented charismatic, and loving are just a few of the words that best describe Benji. He was a loving son, grandson, father, brother, and friend, and he always let the people he was with daily know that he loved them.

Ava, his daughter was the love of his life. He enjoyed spending time with her and Ava’s mother, Cassandra Hughes. Together they co-parented to give Ava the best life, and to ensure that love was instilled to her.

Although Benji only had one mother, he had two aunts, Rhonda and Jenn that very much treated Benji like their own. In turn, he loved them just as he did his mother.

Benji lived with his cousin, Heather for the weeks leading up to his passing. Every day Benji would take Heather’s daughter, Emma to school. He loved children, and he loved spending time with them. He reminded Emma every single day that he loved her and the bond they formed over the last few years was unbreakable.

Benji’s number one passion was his beats. The words that he would use to express his talent were truly poetic and remarkable. He found a family of brothers all over the entire state of Tennessee that shared his passion for hip-hop. Playing rap was an inspiring goal he forever reached without ceasing.

Forever missed and loved, Benji will never be forgotten and his soul will live on.

A Candlelight Service will be held at William Whitfield Park on January 17, 2021 at 5:00pm.