Sharon Gail Welch-Blair
Sep 13, 1948 - Nov 4th, 2020- Birth Date: Sep 13, 1948
- Death Date: Nov 4, 2020
- Funeral Date: Unknown
- Location:
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Biography: Sharon Gail Welch-Blair made her final journey into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 4th, 2020.
Sharon was born September 13th, 1948, in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Bill and Dorothy Jean Welch. She was an outgoing and friendly soul who never met a stranger. Her father, a dragline operator, worked in many states. Before the 6th grade, she attended 25 schools. By junior high her family settled in Jonesboro. She graduated in1966 from Valley View High School as an honor student and cheerleader.
She began working at Colson Corporation as a secretary and fell in love with the boss's son, Bob. They married six months later in December 1966. They had a storybook relationship for over 54 years. While raising two children she began her entrepreneurial journey as an Avon representative. She then learned the art of tole painting which led to her own studio as an instructor and professional painter. After selling that business, she found New York Life. She was named 1987 Rookie of the Year and never looked back. She quickly became the top agent in Arkansas during her 33 years. She served on the company’s Agent Advisory Council, was the Political Involvement Leader for Arkansas, was a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table, and a Chairman's Council Agent.
In 1993, she fell in love with The Hornibrook House. She and Bob took on one of the largest private restorations in the Quapaw Quarter. The Empress of Little Rock Small Luxury Hotel and Bed & Breakfast became one of the top ten nationally recognized in the industry. It was the first small inn to have a 4-Diamond rating. They won several awards in historic preservation and Arkansas tourism. She served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church and she was the President of the Downtown Neighborhood Association for over 10 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 53 years; children, Stephen (Lisa) and Gwendolen (Tracy John). Grandchildren are Jena, Samuel, Jacqueline, and Zachary. She was blessed with a great-grandchild, Adriel, and dearly loved by three siblings and multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 8th, from 2-4 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home. A private celebration of her life will be held Monday, November 9th, 2020 with her final resting place at Mount Holly Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Presbyterian Church (Little Rock), Salvation Army or UAMS Cancer Institute.
Ron & Sharon
Although I didn’t know Sharon well, I met and enjoyed talking with her at our JHS class reunions. She had a great smile, personality plus and was very easy to talk to. I know she will be deeply missed by family, friends and especially her loving husband Bob. So sorry for your loss❣️
Sad to hear about your wife, Sharon. It’s never easy to give up our loved ones, but Apostle Paul says: To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I am praying for Peace for you and your family.
Although we weren't fortunate enough to know her extremely well, Sharon was always gratious to John and me and she was a lovely woman. We will miss her.
Sharon was fun, loving, talented and smart...And beautiful in her soul... praying for you all.
Barbara and Dennis Althoff
Bob, Steve, and Wendy (and your families), I pray the Peace of Christ uphold you during this terribly difficult time.
God Bless & sincerest sympathy!
Gaye
I am so very sorry about Sharon. The news stunned me. I consider myself extremely blessed to have known her. What a special lady and friend! She was a mover and a shaker and will be sorely missed. Y’all are in my prayers. ❤️