FRANCES (Kay) KATHLEEN DAWSON-FINLEY WELCH
August 3, 1929 – October 8, 2022
Frances (Kay) Kathleen Dawson-Finley Welch, age 93, passed away on Oct 8, 2022, in Huber Heights, OH. Kay was born on Aug 3, 1929, in Toledo, OH to Ernest and Agnes Finley. She attended the Second Baptist Church in Akron, OH and graduated from West High School, Akron. She was a 1951 graduate of Central State University, Wilberforce, OH. She married Theodore (Ted) V. Welch on June 30, 1951, in Akron, OH. Her husband was commissioned as an Officer in the United States Army and served for 23 years. Their military career would take them all over the world, including Germany where their son, Theodore (Ted) L. Welch, was born. They returned to Ohio in 1972 and made their home in Huber Heights, OH.
The family worshiped and served at the Prairies Chapel (Chapel 3) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Kay served as a Sunday School Teacher, Head of the Junior Ushers and Acolytes, and Past President of the Protestant Women of the Chapel ministry.
Kay taught in Troy City Schools for over 40 years. She was very passionate about the field of education and support for professional teachers. She was active in the Troy City Education Association. She was a past president of the Western Ohio Education Association (WEOA). She served on/as chairperson for every WOEA; and served as an officer and chaired many committees of the Ohio Education Association.
Kay was a Life Member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and was active for 71 years. She was a charter member of the Delta Kappa Chapter, Central State University, and the Akron-Canton Alumnae Chapter. Kay was a member of the Dayton Alumnae Chapter for 50 years. She served at the local, regional, and national levels of the sorority
Kay was an avid supporter of her Alma Mater. She was a past president of the Central State University Greater Dayton Alumni Association, parliamentarian, chair of several committees, and was named Alumnus of the Year.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Agnes Welch, husband Theodore V. Welch, and brother Leonard L. Franklin.
She leaves to cherish her memory her son Theodore "Ted" L. Welch and his wife Cheryl L. of Springboro, OH, grandson Sheraton "Eddie" E. Welch of Chicago, Illinois, and granddaughter April L. Welch of Columbus, OH; sisters Sarah Brown, Joyce Finley Johnson, and Dorothy Welch of Akron, OH; sister-in-law Mamie R. Toole, PhD of Akron, OH; aunt Mattie Welch of Austin, Tx.; and a host nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Celebration of Life Services will be held on Oct 20, 2022, at the Prairies Chapel, 6568 Chapel Lane, Riverside, OH 45431. Family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Memorial Service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m.
Interment: Dayton National Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Newcomer – Centerville Chapel, 820 Miamisburg Centerville Rd., Dayton, OH 45459
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