Jess Ann Welch

Jess Ann Welch was born December 9, 1946, in Stillwater Oklahoma to Jess Ebon and Annie Elizabeth (Little) Welch and she passed from this life at the age of 77, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. 

During her youth, she was active in sports, playing tennis and golf in the Duncan, Oklahoma City-wide physical fitness programs for all Duncan youth, initiated and developed by her father. She, along with her mother, Annie, both instructed tennis to vast numbers of Duncan youth over the years.

After graduating from Duncan High School in 1964, she began her college education by attending the University of Texas in Austin. She later transferred to Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, where in 1970, she received her Bachelor's Degree and began her career as an instructor in the Amarillo Public Schools. Jess Ann's early instruction involved students in grades three through six, and shortly thereafter she moved to the high school level, where she coached tennis, and provided math instruction in the Amarillo Alternative School. She continued in her role as math teacher for many years, and in 2003, retired after 33 years in the education field.

Jess Ann's love of music prompted her involvement in the sponsorship and management of several "rock" bands, and actively traveled to locations in several states as the bands performed. Her excellent leadership and guidance were both recognized and appreciated by a number of young band members of the decades of the '80's, and many became lifelong friends. 

Jess Ann was also a friend and positive mentor to many in her lifetime. Found in her memory collections were many "keepsakes" of letters and cards, thanking her for her contributions to their lives and how her care for them made a significant difference to their lives.

As Jess Ann moved into her later years, her memory began to shift, and many were there to assist her transition into a secure, healthy and comfortable lifestyle. Sheila, a longtime friend, caregiver and confidant played a valuable personal and professional role in keeping her friend safe as she moved through this difficult time. Also, Jess Ann's family would like to express their appreciation to the Craig Memory Care staff and workers for the wonderful love and kindness shown to her and for the excellent medical attention she received during her time there.

Jess Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Annie Welch. Jess Ann was also preceded in death by many lifelong friends, her closest being Johnny Morales, and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is survived by her many cousins and their wives, whom she referred to as her "brothers and sisters". She was also survived by her favorite and often referred to as "Son", Robert Morales, his wife, Amber, and children, Jo Jo, Angela and Brianna, of Amarillo, Texas. 

Funeral arrangements will be provided by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors of Amarillo, Texas, with a celebration of life service at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd., at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, November 2, 2024. Her final resting place will be next to her parents in the Duncan, Oklahoma Municipal Cemetery. Her body is to be cremated as per her request.