Mary Welch Bull

Mary Sewell Welch was born on August 22, 1935, to Beedy Clemons Welch and Beulah Jean Buskill Welch in Raven, Virginia. She graduated in the top 10% of her high school class in 1953. After studying to be an administrative assistant, she worked for the U.S. Navy at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. While attending church in that area, she met her future husband. Together they had 2 children, son Stevan Hoyt Bull and daughter Rebeccah Ann Bull.

After she and her family settled in Hermitage, TN, Mary worked as an administrative assistant in the Church Architecture Department of the Baptist Sunday School Board until she took an early retirement. Afterwards she worked in a similar position for H.G. Hills, then cared for children at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church.

She was a faithful member of Hermitage Hills Baptist Church for more than 53 years, building lasting friendships and interacting with many people. Mary participated in the church hand bell choir for several years and served as church clerk. She loved watching the Tennessee Titans play football on television, as well as her two favorite game shows, Wheel of Fortune and the Price is Right. Mary also enjoyed listening to Dr. David Jeremiah teach God's Word. As a result of her two grandsons serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, she was a proud supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project. She also supported the American Heart Association. During the many years she was able to do so, Mary enjoyed visiting her children and grandchildren.

Mary passed away January 22, 2024, as the result of a fall in her home on December 18, 2023. She is predeceased by her parents; three brothers, "Tom" Welch, "Joe" Welch, and Arthur Lindsey Welch; and one sister, Jean Welch.

Mary is survived by:

• her two children, Stevan Bull and his wife Stacey of Wichita Falls, TX, and Rebeccah Collins and her husband Mitchel of Knoxville, TN;

• six grandchildren, Sharon Shiverdecker and her husband Chris, Lyndsey Presnell and her husband Brent, Amy Billings and her husband Marshall, Shelby Williams and her husband Thomas, Jesse Collins and his wife Haley, and Jordan Bull;

• 11+ great-grandchildren, Jacarra, Summer, Beckham, Kingston, Jordan, Bryden, Roman, Juliet, Henry, Thora, Gracelyn, plus at least one on the way;

• and two siblings; her sister, Selina Welch; and her brother, Richard Welch.

In lieu of flowers, Mary's family requests donations be given in her name to the ministry of Dr. David Jeremiah. Donations can be made online at davidjeremiah.org, by mail at P.O. Box 3838, San Diego, CA, 92163, or by phone at 1-877-998-0222.