Wanda Jean Welch passed on May 20th, 2026 at the age of 82. She was a resident of Speedwell, Tennessee, or as the locals say, Powell Valley, for over 60 years. She moved to the Valley from Cold Springs, Kentucky after marrying Larry Welch.
Wanda, lovingly known as mamaw, granny, or mom, loved where she was from. She would often tell her grandchildren that the mountains were where we belonged. She loved her home, her family, and preferred animals to most people. She was never far from her soul dog, AJ. She loved flowers, and when she was able, had scatterings of them all over her yard. She could often be found watching game shows, especially The Price is Right, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Willa Mae Westwood; her husband, Larry Welch; sons, Brian and Andy Welch; and brothers, Don and Jack Westwood.
She is survived by her daughter, Amy Walker; son, Bill Welch; grandchildren, Megan (Gary) Overton, Emily Welch, Chelsea "ChelseaGirl" (Landon Brackett) Biefeldt, Chase (Katelyn) Biefeldt, Catey Biefeldt, and Eli Welch; great-grandchildren, Gabe Robertson and Erza Overton; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Coffey Funeral Home in Harrogate, funeral service to follow at 7:00 PM. Burial will be Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Welch Cemetery in Speedwell. Anyone wishing to follow in procession is asked to be at Coffey Funeral Home in Harrogate by 10:15 AM.
Officiating: Rev. Travis Dunn
Music by: Melissa Cline
Pallbearers: Family
