Nancy Ellen Welsh (Brown)

Nancy Ellen (Brown) Welsh, of Sunrise Beach, Missouri, returned to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, October 15, 2022, slipping away peacefully at home.

She was born on February 12, 1943, in Independence, Missouri, to the late W. Allan and Nadine (Fonda) Brown. While Nancy spent most of her childhood in Independence, she and her mother lived for two years with family in Albany, New York, while her father carried out military service duties. The Brown family returned to Independence, where Nancy graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1961. After completing her junior year of high school, Nancy joined a tour group from Independence to venture by herself on a three-month voyage around the world on the SS Oronsay. From that one journey she formed many friendships that would last a lifetime. Nancy went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1965 at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. While in college she was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta International Women’s Fraternity. Nancy was also active in the Junior Service League of Independence and in 1966 she was honored as a Belle of the American Royal.

Upon college graduation Nancy began a 35-year teaching career at William Southern Elementary in Independence where she taught second grade. She went on to teach first grade at Franklin Smith Elementary in Blue Springs for over two decades until electing to say goodbye to her much-loved profession to share her love in other ways by caring for her aging parents. Throughout her teaching career and beyond, Nancy was a devoted member of the Delta Kappa Gamma international society for key women educators. She was also a published author, contributing to numerous educational texts in her chosen field.

In the fall of 1969 Nancy met John Welsh and they married on June 6, 1970, at the Beverly Hills Baptist Church in Independence. Their union would span 52 years and together they brought immeasurable joy and happiness to countless people the world over. Nancy’s love of travel was unceasing and over the years she and John were fortunate to visit many locales near and far, often traveling with family and friends. Whether for family functions, pursuit of wonderful gospel music concerts, or just to see the sights, Nancy’s nature was to be on the go. But of all destinations, the Brown family cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks was a center for Nancy’s happiness and she purchased property right next to her parent’s home on the Lake. She would go on to draw her own plans for the Welsh forever home that she and John built and where they have lived for the last 13 years. Nancy also had a passion for collecting beautiful mementos from the many places she visited, and when asked she always had a wonderfully interesting and colorful story to tell about any of her collectibles. Her spectacular anthology of Christmas decorations and her holiday open houses were best described as legendary, and through sharing her festive home and hospitality, Nancy brough Christmas joy to so many over the years.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents. She leaves behind her beloved husband John; first cousin Annell Wayman of Buena Vista, Colorado; first cousin David Wattenbarger of Plano, Texas; and a horde of other cousins more distant, but no less cherished. Over the years, many students and friends considered Nancy to be a second mother.

Poise, grace, generosity, extraordinary host, fun, and a cheerful kind spirit, are but a few ways in which one would describe Nancy. Hers was a life well lived, devoted in service to her Lord and those whose lives she touched each day. Through her gentle countenance she enriched lives. If you knew Nancy, you were changed for the better. Though she will very much be missed, her memory lives on in hearts, minds, and the good works she shared over her lifetime.

Family and friends will be received from 1-2 p.m., on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Coventry Estates Baptist Church, 17133 E 39th Street S, Independence, Missouri. A service of celebration will begin at 2 p.m. and internment will follow at Oak Ridge Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sunrise Beach First Baptist Church, or to Compassus Hospice Care.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)