Mildred Welch

Mildred WelchMarch 13, 2026Mildred Welch passed away on March 13, 2026, at Serenity House in Morristown surrounded by family after a decade-long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.She was preceded in death by her husband of 33-years, Robert Welch; parents Ezekiel and Ollie Bailey; an infant brother; and nephew Chris Bailey.She is survived by her sons: Mark (Amy) Welch of Talbot, TN and Derek Welch of Rogersville, TN and her beloved grandson Ronan Welch; sister Margaret (Gene) McHan; brother Ray (Lynette) Bailey; sister-in-law Sara Bounds; and several nieces and nephews.Born in Lauada (Swain County), NC in 1944, she married Robert in 1964 and they moved to Kimball, TN, to be near his work with TVA in Alabama. In 1969, they moved their family to Rogersville, TN. In 1970, Mildred began teaching at Hawkins Elementary School where she primarily taught third grade and served as the vice-principal and principal over the course of a 35-year career with the Hawkins County School District. She retired in 2004.Mildred completed her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Bethel University and a master's degree in Reading from ETSU, as well as extensive specialized graduate studies in Dyslexia Treatment, Counseling, and School Administration. She received many honors in her teaching career, most notably being named Who's Who Among American Teachers on three occasions and receiving the Delta Kappa Gamma Order of the Rose Award.After retirement, Mildred promoted the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program and the Tennessee Books from Birth Program across the US and abroad; volunteered in the Manna Kitchen and sang in the choir at Rogersville United Methodist Church; and painted with watercolors.The family would like to thank Caris Hospice and the many caregivers who attended to Mildred at Regency Retirement Village and Serenity House since 2016. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Friends of Hospice of the Lakeway Area/Serenity House, the Alzheimer's Association of East Tennessee, or the Dolly Parton Foundation / Imagination Library.Receiving of Friends will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026, in the chapel of Broome Funeral Home.Funeral service will be 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026, in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Tommy Seals officiating.Graveside service will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2026, in McKinney Cemetery. For those that wish to attend the graveside service please meet at the funeral home at 12:15 p.m.Online condolences may be made to www.broomefuneralhome.comThe staff of Broome Funeral Home is honored to serve the Welch family.