Carol Jean Welch

March 29, 1941 - November 21, 2018

Carol Jean Welch passed away peacefully into the presence of her Savior on the morning of Nov. 21, 2018. She was born March 29, 1941, in Corsicana, Texas, and was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Clarence Dewey “C.D.” and Maude Douglas Cates. Carol had the voice of an angel, and her family takes comfort in knowing she is now singing with a wonderful angelic choir! Carol grew up in Wills Point and graduated from Wills Point High School in 1959. She received her Bachelors in Education from Baylor University in 1963. Later that same year, Carol began her career at Terrell ISD, teaching music and later, sixth-graders, in a self-contained classroom environment. When curriculum requirements changed, Carol taught math and remained a beloved teacher until her retirement in 1998 after 34 years with TISD. In 1963, Carol also married the love of her life, Truman Welch, whom she met at church and knew from high school. They were married at First Baptist Church in Wills Point on June 23, 1963, and made their home in Terrell. Always active in their faith, Carol and Truman became members of First Baptist Church in Terrell where she served on a number committees. Her calm demeanor and love for expanding God’s kingdom allowed her to play a vital role over the years in the church’s growth. While Carol loved to serve where she was placed by Him, she had a special place in her heart for singing in the Sanctuary Choir. Carol’s voice was as beautiful as her smile, and she counted it a true honor to be able to worship the Lord in song. In addition to her church activities, Carol was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Kaufman County Retired Teachers Association where she served as chairperson of the Book Procurement Program (recently named for Carol in recognition of her efforts to promote literacy in local communities.) After retirement, Carol and Truman loved traveling to all parts of the United States as well as Germany, Austria, Scotland and Switzerland. They were blessed to have their very dear friends neighbors, Ray and Donna Covington, with them on many of these trips, which made for treasured memories for both couples. Carol never lost her love to learn, and she was an avid reader on a variety of subjects. She also had a special affinity for shopping for others, especially her children, grandchildren and friends, with many of the purchases made "under the radar" of Truman! A true Proverbs 31 woman, Carol will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, special friend and dedicated educator. Her legacy of kindness and generosity will be cherished by all who knew her. Carol’s legacy will be carried on by her husband, Truman Welch of Terrell; daughters: Shannon Linebarger and husband, Les, of Henderson, Texas, Claire Welch of Andover, Mass.; grandchildren: Zeb Linebarger, Cates Linebarger and Chloe Hitschler; her special friend, Virginia Fineout (both shared a special bond of “sisterhood”), as well as several other extended family, church family, countless students and a host of friends who loved her and will miss her. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, at First Baptist Church in Terrell with interment to follow at White Rose Cemetery in Wills Point. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 26, at Max Slayton Funerals and Cremations. In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Carol’s love for the students she was privileged to teach, the family asks memorials be made to: Terrell ISD Excellence Foundation, 700 N Catherine St., Terrell, TX 75160 or go to [http://www.terrellexcellencefoundation.org.