Margery Faye (Williams) Welch, age 81, of Grandville, Michigan died on Tuesday February 13, 2018. She was born January 13, 1937 in Olive Hill, Kentucky to Walter and Myra Williams. Margery always had a love and compassion for others and it was this love that inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. While the effects of Alzheimer’s was debilitating the last eight years, her kind smile and sense of humor stayed with her throughout, a testimony to God’s grace. Margery was very kind, caring, and loved by all. A registered nurse by vocation, she served at several hospitals and cared for her patients through the years with sincere compassion. Margery actively served her local church wherever she lived, including: First Church of the Nazarene in Nashville, TN, Colonial Heights Baptist Church, Jackson, MS, Indian Hills Baptist Church in North Little Rock, AR, and served on the church plant team for Trinity Fellowship Church in Big Rapids, MI. Her home church for the last two decades has been Kentwood Community Church (KCC) in Grand Rapids, MI. At KCC, she started a women’s prayer group for the church, helped launch the Alpha ministry, was active in the Adult Sunday School class and Divorce Recovery program, and helped begin a fun and active ministry for adults with disabilities, known as HisAbility. Some of her favorite retirement activities included spending time with all of her grandchildren, sewing, gardening, baking and decorating for many church and family events. She enjoyed traveling to Europe and Israel with friends from church. As her mobility decreased, she used her time to pray for her family, friends and church. Margery is survived by her three children and their spouses: Gina (Daane) Dick, Karen (Chip) VanKlompenberg, and Kevin (Kellie) Welch. Her beloved grandchildren include: Caleigh Dick (Sam Bouwens), Brennon (Rachel) Dick, Hunter VanKlompenberg, Brandon Welch, Dustin Welch, Amber Welch and Kiah Welch. She is survived by her sister Karen (Dave) McQuiston, sisters-in-law Rae Jean Adkins and Donna Montague-Welch, along with many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friend Gail Tevelde. Preceeding her in death were her parents: Allen Walter and Myra Sadonna Williams, parents-in-law Thomas and Marguerite Welch, husband Larry Thomas Welch, brothers Charles (Ruby) and Jim Williams, and in-laws J.D. (Alice) Welch and Jim Adkins. She also leaves behind some very kind and compassionate caregivers from Beacon Hill at Eastgate, where she resided the last several years. The family will receive visitors on Saturday, February 17 from 10-11am at Kentwood Community Church (Door I). This will be followed by an informal memorial service conducted by Pastor Kyle Ray at 11am. A private interment ceremony will be held at Highland Cemetery in Big Rapids Michigan. Further information and online condolences can be sent via StegengaFuneralChapel.com. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to HisAbility ministry of Kentwood Community Church 1200 60th Street SE, Kentwood, MI 49508 or to Gold Avenue Church 49 Gold Avenue NW Grand Rapids MI 49504. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Margery Faye Welch please visit our Sympathy Store.
Memorial Service
FEB 17. 11:00 AM (EST)
Kentwood Community Church
1200 60th St. SE
Kentood, MI, 49548
Visitation
FEB 17. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EST)
Kentwood Community Church
1200 60th St. SE
Kentood, MI, 49548
Leave Your Tribute Message
Hi Kathy, so good to hear from you and your memories of Mom. I am so thankful for you and Gary and your long commitment to Big Rapids. I only recently learned that you're now in Newaygo too. I would like to visit again. I'll be it's far different from our old days but sort of still the same:) The thing everybody has said is the same. She served and encouraged and boy could she cook and bake! 😊 Thank you for taking time to share this. Appreciate it so much. Love to you also.
- Karen Klompenberg
Dear Welch Family, Just wanted you to know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers. It is so hard to lose a mother/grandmother, even when you know they are rejoicing to be in the presence of their heavenly Father. The very first time we came to Big Rapids, Margie hosted us in her home. She made this fresh-out-of-seminary, didn't-know-what-we-were-doing young couple feel at home and welcome. We will always remember her gifts of hospitality, decorating, cooking, baking…and just always being willing to serve. She once served us this out-of-this-world raspberry pie that we both went on and on about. Not long after, she gave me a copy of the cook book with that recipe in it. I still have that cookbook…but I'm not sure my pie was ever as good as hers! We were blessed to have known her. With love, Gary & Kathy deBock
- Kathy deBock
Love this and love YOU.
- Karen Klompenberg
Margie was a huge influence in my life. When I first became a Christian, she taught me how to pray. Our Friday morning prayer meetings were the highlight of my life. I will always remember her as a dear friend and mentor.
- Terri Gerhardt
So sweet to hear from you, Terri. Yes, she loved all the women in that group. Isn't it great to know that we never say goodbye forever in Christ? Instead it's see you later. 😊
- Karen Klompenberg
Thank you so much, Linda. You and Jim were so wonderful leading the small group she was in! Stop and see me up north sometime and we'll share some memories together.
- Karen Klompenberg
Thank you Cindy!
- Karen Klompenberg
Thank you Janie! You were so sweet to her! Thank you for all the cards!
- Karen Klompenberg
Thank you!
- Karen Klompenberg
Margery was a beautiful witness of God's love to all who knew her. She brought joy to all. Jim and I enjoyed getting to know Margery in our small group. We have wonderful happy memories to cherish of our times with Margery. A new angel is in heaven. Our hearts are with all Margery's family. We are out of the state and unable to attend her services. Our hearts will be there. Jim and Linda Ziebarth
- Linda Ziebarth
My dear cousin has gone but not forgotten. To know she is with my mom and mom ma Williams gives great comfort. I grew up admiring all my wonderful family. God Bless all she has left behind.
- Cindy
Margery was a wonderful and loving presence in our family. She was an amazing person. I loved her dearly! Janie
- Sara Jane Molton
Larry D Williams lit a candle in memory of Margery Faye Welch
- Larry D Williams
I'm so glad the hospital reached you. That really is great to be reminded of how much she made you all laugh and how she cared for you like she for us. Her love was the overflow from a heart that was always being renewed by the love of Christ. We appreciate how you sent her cards at Beacon Hill. That was so sweet of you. Thank you, Shelley!
- Karen Klompenberg
I have so many fond memories from working with Margery in surgery in Big Rapids. She was the kindest, sweetest, and caring person I have ever met! She had the best stories and loved to share them. The most amazing thing is, Tuesday night I was with a group of retired people from the hospital and for some reason, I brought up Margery and we shared some memories of her and laughed together about a few funny moments. I had no idea that she had passed that same day! She must have been sending me a goodbye from Heaven! Thank you Karen, for letting me know of her passing and my sympathies to you and the family. I know how much she loved all of you! Shelley Spedowske ( I will let Thom White know about Margery also)
- Shelley Spedowske
Fairest of All was purchased for the family of Margery Faye Welch.
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My beautiful & special aunt, who has blessed me for over 50 years. I know she's dancing & laughing in heaven with all the ones who've gone before us…..makes me jealous! Love to my cousin's who mourn her earthly loss but rejoice in her new life - forever.
- Mary Cunningham
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