Prakong Welch

Prakong Welch, age 79, of Round Rock, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, on her birthday, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on February 17, 1947, in Yasothon, Thailand, and lived a life defined by faith, resilience, compassion, and unwavering devotion to others.

Prakong was a strong yet gentle soul — giving, humorous, and lovingly stubborn. Her spiritual faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted practitioner of SGI Buddhism, she traveled countless miles throughout Virginia, Texas, and Thailand to encourage others, uplift spirits, and demonstrate the power of faith in action. She proudly helped establish an SGI center in her hometown of Yasothon, creating a place where many could gather for meetings, connection, and spiritual growth.

Her favorite words were often shared with love and conviction:

“You need to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to change your karma.”

She lived those words every day.

In 1976, she immigrated to the United States with her beloved husband, Gary C. Welch, a United States Air Force serviceman stationed at Langley Air Force Base. He was the love of her life, and together they built a family rooted in dedication and perseverance. Shortly after arriving, they welcomed their son Patrick. Prakong and Gary remained devoted partners until his passing in 2023.

Prakong worked hard throughout her life to support her family. In Hampton, Virginia, she owned and operated the Thailand Country Store, a small Asian grocery and Thai movie rental shop that served the local community for several years. She also worked at a seafood processing facility, where she tragically lost her right hand in a workplace accident. Despite this life-altering injury, she never lost her faith or spirit. Instead, she became even stronger — a living example of courage, determination, and the power of the human heart.

Her greatest joy came from simple pleasures: sharing meals, caring for family, nurturing plants, and creating beauty around her. She loved food deeply — especially som tum (papaya salad), fish, and rice — and she cultivated a vibrant home garden filled with Thai herbs, papaya trees, mango trees, and dragon fruit. Her home felt like a tropical sanctuary, reflecting her roots and her nurturing nature. She also enjoyed watching Thai television dramas and spending time with loved ones whenever she was not attending SGI meetings or encouraging others.

Prakong had a special place in her heart for animals, particularly stray dogs in Thailand, whom she fed and cared for with compassion and kindness.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Path Welch of Round Rock, Texas; her son, Patrick Welch of Yorktown, Virginia; her daughter-in-law Rachel Welch; and her beloved grandson, Stephen Welch, who was her only grandchild and a great source of pride and joy. She also leaves behind cherished granddogs Money, Buttercup, and Cocoa, who brought her happiness and companionship.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary C. Welch (2023), and her six siblings.

Prakong touched hundreds of lives through her faith, generosity, encouragement, and love. Those who knew her remember her as someone who never gave up on people and never lost hope, no matter the circumstances. Her life was a testament to resilience, spiritual strength, and compassion.

In Buddhist faith, death is not an end, but a transition — a continuation of life’s journey toward enlightenment. Her family finds comfort in knowing her spirit continues in peace, freedom, and light.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Gabriel’s Funeral Home in Georgetown, Texas.

Her legacy of faith, love, and courage will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.