Louise Welch

Louise Banner Welch, age 83, of Greenville, left this life to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at her home. She was born in McKinney on August 26, 1926 to B.B. and Ella Lorraine Banner, they preceded her in death. Rev. Welch attended Greenville school before attending numerous universities including East Texas State University, Texas Womans University, University of Texas at Austin, Western Illinois, Texas A&M, and Perkins School of Theology at SMU. Rev. Welch obtained three masters degrees in economics, business, and theology. She retired as an English teacher after a 20 year career and then began her second career as a minister in the Methodist faith. At one time, Louise worked as the manager of the Pythian Guest House in Greenville, which was built by her father. She was proud to have been the first Reform Party Candidate in the State of Texas to be printed on the ballot, the same year Ross Perot was a write in candidate. Rev. Welch was a member of numerous organizations including the American Association of University Women, Retired Teachers Union, and the Knights of Pythias. She published two books and was proud to be teaching Sunday school at the Westview Methodist Church as recently as this past summer. Louise led a life full of joys and accomplishments and left an example for all to attain. Louise is survived by one daughter, Mary Dykes, and husband Clyde, of Gilmer; four grandchildren, Scott Dykes, Paula and Dean Weaver, and Lori Dykes all of Gilmer and Autumn Joy and Sean Bradshaw of Mt. Pleasant; five great-grandchildren, Dale Louise Jackson, Elizabeth Dykes, Erin Weaver, and Bradley Weaver, all of Gilmer, and Lana Rose Gill of Weaver; great-great grandchildren, Leah Jackson, Caleb Gill, and Elijah Brady; one brother, Judge Paul Banner, and wife Judith, of Gladewater; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She was also preceded in death by one son, John Goodloe; one sister, Jeanne Banner Peek; and one brother, B.B. Bill Banner, Jr. Services for Rev. Welch will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, November 28, 2009 at Westview Methodist Church in Greenville with Pastor Veronica Greanead serving as minister. A family burial will take place at Forest Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 " 8 P.M., Friday, November 27, 2009 at Peters Funeral Home. Guests may leave condolences to the family or sign the online obituary at www.petersfh.com or www.heraldbanner.com.