Obituary of Flora L. Welch

Welch, Flora L. of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away on November 8, 2015 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 85 years old. Flora Lane Goines was born on December 9, 1929 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late James Arthur and Christina M. (Hill) Goines. She married Edward Welch on January 12, 1960; he preceded her in death on May 20, 2005. Flora graduated from Arthur Hill High School. She would then work for Dow Chemical as an hourly personal secretary, as well as in other positions, until she retired. Flora was a member of Bethel AME Church and was on the Usher Board #1, was a class leader, on the courtesy committee, in the Christina Goines Missionary Society, and an active member in the lay organization. She also volunteered for the Christmas Store, for Saginaw Habitat for Humanity, the Art Smart program out of the First Ward Community Center, and was a part of the Woman's United Association. She was a very community-minded individual. Left to cherish her memory are eight children: Deborah Miller of Saginaw, Larry Strong of San Antonio TX, Michael (Marlene) Strong of Memphis TN, Pamela Goines of Las Vegas NV, Timothy Strong of Chicago IL, Wendy Welch of Indianapolis IN, Stacy (Katrina) Welch of Saginaw, and Briana Welch; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Patricia (Larry) Hale of Detroit; a cousin, June Richards of Farmington; two sisters-in-law: Annie Welch-Johnson of Saginaw and Doris (Jim) Price of Saginaw; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She also leaves special friends: Betty Stevenson, Geraldine Peterson, Misako Johnson, Odail Thorns, and LaFrance Thomas. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 45 years, Edward; brother, James Goines, Jr.; sister, Irene Sloan; two grandsons: Tyler Strong and Stacy Evans; and great-grandson, Stacy Evans. FUNERAL: Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 16, 2015 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). The Reverend P. David Saunders, Sr. will officiate. Cremation has taken place. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Monday, November 16, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to the family c/o Deborah Miller. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.