Julia Welch

Julia Ann "Judy" Pruitt Cook Welch, 77, of Beebe, Arkansas, passed away September 18, 2018. She was born October 14, 1940 to the late Edwin and Reba Nell Pruitt. She married Charles Wayne Cook in 1962. Judy and
Wayne coached in the Beebe School District and at Westark Community College until his death in 1975. She returned to Beebe and married Tommy Rhea Welch in 1978.

Judy was a very talented cook whose chocolate and coconut pies and Nana bread were the food highlight of every gathering, and her canned jam and jellies were shared with friends for many years. She loved sewing countless dresses for her daughters and granddaughters. A Master Gardener, she was known for her beautiful flowers and well-manicured landscaping around her home.

She was an active member of Beebe Church of Christ, where she served in the Senior Sisters Program. She was known for her many acts of kindness, including sending encouraging cards, making doll dresses, and providing transportation for her fellow church members. Judy will be remembered by all as a loving Christian servant.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Cook, and two brothers, Larry and Jim Pruitt.

She is survived by her husband Tommy Rhea Welch; five daughters, LeAnn Welch Jackson, Christy Campbell (Kerry), Lorrie Belew (Tom), Carrie Hankins (Jeff), and Cathy McClure (Matt); and twelve grandchildren, Leigh Johnson (Jace), Kyle Campbell, Joshua Jackson, Clinton Childers, Jillian Jackson, Reid Belew, Jolie Jackson, Luke Hankins, Carly Campbell, Eli McClure, Sarah Kathryn Hankins and Ava McClure.

Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Beebe Church of Christ. Funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 21, 2018, at Beebe Church of Christ, with burial in Lebanon Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. www.smithfamilycares.com