Frances Downer Welch

WADESBORO Mrs. Frances Downer Welch, 65, died Thursday, August 3, 2017 at Carolinas Medical Center Union in Monroe. There will be a memorial service 4:00pm Sunday, August 6, 2017 at Calvary Episcopal Church with Rev. Tim Hushion officiating. Inurnment will be in the church columbarium. The family will greet friends from 4:00pm until 6:00pm Saturday, August 5, 2017 at Leavitt Funeral Home and other times at the home. Frances was born January 19, 1952 in Anson County, NC and was the only child of William Robert Downer and Mary Shepherd Jarman Downer. She was a graduate of Bowman High School and earned a degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse from Anson Technical College, which is now, South Piedmont Community College. Her nursing career spanned 41 years. Over the years, she worked at Anson County Hospital, nursing homes and correctional institutions in Anson County and later retired from Chesterfield Convalescent Center in Cheraw, SC. Frances was a life-long member of Calvary Episcopal Church or as she would say, "I am a cradle Episcopalian." She had a lovely voice and enjoyed singing with the choir at Calvary when she could. Surviving are her husband of 35 years, Ted Hancock Welch; her daughters and son-in-law, Janice Welch Gibson and Justin Gibson of Wadesboro and Katie Welch of Wadesboro; her grandson, Justin "Jay" Gibson, Jr. of Wadesboro and a very special sister-in-law, who was much like her sister, Kay Welch Perry and husband, Bobby of Polkton; and other members of the Welch, Jarman and Downer families. The family is most grateful for the love and concern shown by their church family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Episcopal Church, 308 E Wade St, Wadesboro, NC 28170. The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com