Edna Welch

Ms. Edna Faye Griffin Welch, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, was born on March 30, 1960, in Ashland, Alabama to the late William M. Griffin and Annie Lee Ware Griffin. She departed this life peacefully on April 16, 2026, at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. From a young age, Edna accepted Christ and joined the Bethel Baptist Church, where she served as a faithful member. Her commitment to her faith was matched only by her devotion to her family who will always hold her memory close. Edna's educational journey led her through the halls of Clay County Schools, culminating in her graduation from Clay County High School in 1978. She furthered her education in 2002 at Ayers Technical College, earning an associate degree in Early Childhood Development and later became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Her employment began as a seamstress at Russell Corporation where she worked for over 25 years until its closure. She later worked as a kindergarten teacher, a CNA, and a substitute teacher. At the time of her passing, she was employed as a seamstress at New South Sewing & Manufacturing. Edna's spirit thrived in the joyous moments spent with family and friends. She loved listening to southern soul music and vacationing with her family. She was also an enthusiastic football fan of the Clay County Panthers (now Volunteers), Notre Dame, and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Tailgating with her sisters on the phone on Fridays and Saturdays was a weekly event. She also cherished every chance to support her beloved nephew during his college football career, attending many games which gave her an opportunity to travel to many states and experience many things that would not have otherwise happened. Edna loved the family gatherings in "The Lower Yard," as it was affectionately known. She was often seen with a video camera capturing precious moments of family and friends coming together to celebrate, socialize, or just being together as a family. This was a testament to her love for family. She will be remembered not only for the joyful moments shared but also for the profound legacy of love she leaves behind. Preceding her in death are her dearly departed parents, William and Annie Griffin, along with her loving husband, Samuel P. Welch, her precious sons, Samuel M. Welch and Arnold A. Welch, her brothers, Willie Griffin, Jerry Griffin, and Jimmy Griffin, all of whom greeted her with love and open arms. Edna leaves behind a legacy of love, best embodied in her surviving sisters, Mary Ann Parker of Lineville, AL and Linda G. (Spencer) Williams of Jacksonville, FL; her niece, Natasha Williams of Phoenix, AZ; nephews, Michael Curtis of Dallas TX, Spencer Williams, Jr. of Houston, TX and Terry Caldwell of Lineville, AL; along with sisters-in-laws, Annie Welch Johnson of Decatur, GA, Maybelle Welch of Lineville, AL, and Laura Welch of Marion, MS; brothers-in-laws, Wyatt (Barbara) Welch of Tampa, FL and Roy Welch of Ashland, AL; Class of 1978 sisters and brothers, Rosa Sterling, Mae F. Kidd, Barbara Ross, Lisa Simmons, Arthur Welch, Dwight Sims and Hugh Foster; bonus family, the Williams Family. Her life has touched countless others, including a host of othernieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

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Edna Welch

March 30, 1960 - April 16, 2026