Jonnie Farmer Welman, age 71, of Jefferson, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday June 5, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Columbus, GA and was the only child of the late John Hebert Farmer and the late Carolyn Winifred Shores of Phenix City, AL. Loving wife of Benjamin F. Welman III for 46 years. She is also survived by her loving daughters, Lila Davis Welman (James Rochel) and Dr. Maggie Welman Butler (Steven). Grandmother of Henry James Rochel, Jonnie loved to express how beautiful she thought Henry is from the moment of his birth. She is also survived by her loving 11 year old Yorkie named Jake. She spent the formative years of her life in Phenix City, AL. She was an alumnus of Central High School, in Phenix City, AL, and Auburn University, having earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. After graduation from Auburn University, she taught 4th grade at a Phenix City, AL school. After teaching for 1 year in Alabama, she moved to New Orleans and began teaching Social Studies and Louisiana History in the New Orleans Public Schools. She then went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Education from Tulane University with emphasis on Special Education. Further, she earned Louisiana Certification as a Louisiana School Guidance Counselor after having completed her coursework at the University of New Orleans. In addition, she earned Louisiana certification in “Mild Moderate,” with special work in teaching children with autism. She often said that her greatest joy in teaching came from working with autistic students, but in spite of her great love for her students, Jonnie’s greatest joy came from her love of family and all the love that her family returned in kind. She was in her “element” when surrounded by her loved ones and this was her greatest fulfillment. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, LA on Sunday June 10, 2018, followed by a Memorial Service at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home Chapel at 3:00 pm. Condolences may be expressed online at www.LeitzEaganFuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jonnie’s name may be made to the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans.
