Dorothy Welker

Dorothy Genelle Welker, age 84 years, of Springfield, Mo., a former Jefferson City resident, slipped peacefully into God's arems on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, in the comfort of her home. She was born May 4, 1927, in Houston, Texas to Sydney and Clara Tyler. It was there at a wedding she met a dashing young missionary and it was love at first sight. She married the love of her life, Charles Lewis Welker, and they shared 46 years before his death in 1999. During this time, they were missionaries with the Assembly of God and served in Alaska for 15 years. Later both went into education and moved to Missouri. Genelle received her Masters in Education and worked with the Missouri Department of Corrections for the remainder of her career. Survivors include: her daughters, Dr. Heather Welker and Wynter Dawn Welker, both of Springfield; a sister, Margaret (Jim) Patton of Springfield; four grandchildren; one great- grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; a daughter, Diane; a grandchild; and the love of her life, Charles Lewis Welker. Genelle was affectionally called "The Queen Mother" and presided over many celebrations and events. Unable to be mobile later in life, she supported and loved many through her phone calls and prayers. She loved people, fresh cut flowers, good nightgowns, her preacher man, her dog, Cindy Lou and Galveston, Texas. She loved a good party. She lived her life for God and it was a life lived well. Amazingly, Genelle's best friend of many years, Edie Jackson, passed away on the same day and now both have entered God's presence with joy and more laughter than they ever shared here on earth. They are on their last trip together!!! You go, girls! A Celebration of Life was held, with the Queen presiding with her best friend by her side, on April 16, 2011, in her home where she enjoyed praise, prayer, laughter, memories and tears with her many family and friends. They are still talking about the singing that sounded like angels. Many thanks to many for your support, prayers and love for mother. She was a good woman and loved freely. Special thanks to her "girls", Connie Glessner, Gerra Gentry and Becky Nolan who provided many years of love and care for mom, and the ministrial staff of First Assembly of God in Jefferson City for their numerous trips to Springfield to pray and comfort mother. Mom could not have stayed at home without the help of Team Queen: Stacy and Marica Masqua, Wynter and Connie. The Queen finally is with her King, Reign on!! Graveside services and interment will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 14, 2011, at Riverview Cemetery with her " preacher man" Lowell Perkins officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Evangel University Scholarship Fund, in memory of Charles and Genelle Welker, 1111 North Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65802. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com