Mrs. Thelma Orlee Thompson Welch, age 96 of Gallatin, TN formerly of Dickson, TN died on September 27, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Taylor Funeral Home with Ron Hunt officiating. Place of rest will be in the Rock Church Cemetery. The visitation will be held on Saturday from 1:00 PM until the time of service. To view a livestream of the service, please click HERE.
Mrs. Welch was born August 17, 1930 in Moulton, Alabama. She was the oldest of nine children of the late Monroe Benford Thompson and the late Mary Ann Wright Thompson. In 1951 while attending college at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, TN, Thelma met William Roystone Welch, a young man from Winnipeg, Canada. They were joined in marriage on September 27, 1952, a journey that would last 54 years at William’s death. It is deeply moving and poignant that Thelma died on their 74th wedding anniversary.
For many years, Thelma began her day early by either delivering newspapers for both the Nashville Banner and the Tennessean or making biscuits at a local restaurant. Perhaps one of her favorite careers outside the home was working at Hancock Fabrics on Gallatin Road in Madison, TN. She would often return home with some of her favorite textiles. Thelma was a talented seamstress. She loved to sew, and crochet. She often gifted her handmade quilts and other items to family and friends. She also received joy from flower gardening at her home.
Mrs. Welch is survived by her children, Brenda Petty (Marvin), Wendell Welch (Linda), Rebecca Hunt (Ron), Melody Welch; sister, Flora Steed (Wayne); 8 grandchildren, Valerie Greenwood (Mark), Michelle Graham (Brandon Jusino), Nathan Petty, Erick Welch (Ji), Danielle Snelson (Jedidiah), Jana White (Evan), Jason Hunt (Joanna), Paul Hunt (Rachael); 13 great grandchildren.
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Such fond memories of Bill and Thelma. They joined Music City Bulldog Club in the late eighties and purchased a bulldog to show. Our Nationals were held in Georgia soon after they joined. Thelma worked hard making breads to serve for breakfast. They were always ready to help. Sweet couple. She will be missed. Condolences to the family.