EMMA FLORENCE WELCHEL

It is with mixed emotions that we say good-bye to Florence, dedicated and loving matriarch of our family and a friend to all those who had the privilege to meet her.  Sadness because she leaves behind a hole in each of our hearts; happiness because she is no longer in pain and walking the streets of Glory. She journeyed home to be with our Lord on January 16, 2023, in Garland, TX.

Born in Branch, TX, on September 28, 1929, to Royal Dawson (R.D.) Dunn and Minnie Etta (Lanier) Dunn. She was the last of 7 children. Being born only weeks before the great depression, she would spend her childhood moving from place to place across the nation so her dad could find work.

Preceded in death by her dad and mom R.D. and Minnie Dunn; husband Billy Joe; son Billy Ray; stepson Dickie Gene; brothers Earl, Earnest, John, and J.R.; sisters Annie and Frances. She is survived by daughters, Sheila Todd; Sherry Nix and husband Carey; stepchildren Ricky Welchel; Vicki Earley and husband Larry; 14 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren.

Florence lived a full life as a wonderful, loving mother, homemaker and worker in the manufacturing sector. She loved to travel, visiting all 50 states, the Holy Land, Mexico, Canada, and taking several cruises. She was a skilled seamstress and loved sewing for her family. She also loved painting and solving puzzles of all kinds.

She was a strong, loving Christian woman, talked about Jesus and what "He could do to for you" to everyone she met. She loved to read and study the Bible daily. She was well versed in the scripture and would discuss God's Word at length.

Most of all she loved her family and instilled in her children and their children's children strong values that have served them well. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts