DeAnna Dean Welch

DeAnna Dean Welch, age 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at BeeHive Homes of Batesville in Batesville, Mississippi.

Services for DeAnna will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026 in the Martin Willingham Memorial Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the interment to follow at Forrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Saturday evening, September 12, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home. 

DeAnna was born on August 8, 1938, in O’Kean, Arkansas, to the late Abe Dean and Ovilla Ryburn Dean. Her family lovingly called her “Sweet” as she was growing up—a fitting name that reflected the kindness and warmth she carried throughout her life.

DeAnna was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Throughout her lifetime, she was a devoted homemaker and faithfully supported her late husband, Gene, as they began and built his business together. Her family was always at the center of her life, and she found great joy in caring for those she loved. She was also a wonderful cook and took great pleasure in preparing delicious meals for her family and those around her. Sharing food and fellowship was one of the many ways she expressed her love and care for others.

DeAnna enjoyed gardening and crafting and cherished every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren. She especially loved Christmas and the joy and togetherness that came with the holiday season. During the summer months, she especially enjoyed spending time with her family at their lake house on Sardis Lake, where she treasured the opportunity to relax, visit, and make lasting memories with those she loved. She also enjoyed riding around in her car, visiting with friends and loved ones and never missing an opportunity to share a conversation or brighten someone’s day.

DeAnna was the devoted mother of one daughter, DeAnn Welch Scott and her husband, Wade, of Batesville, Mississippi, and one son, Gene Stanley “Stan” Welch, Jr., who preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Melissa Welch of Batesville, Mississippi, and her sister, Sherry Causey, Counce, TN.

Among DeAnna’s greatest joys in life were her grandchildren: Meredith Welch, Braiden Scott, Hannah Welch, Graysen Scott, and Lena-Grace Franklin. She treasured her time with them and leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and cherished memories that will remain with her family for generations to come.

DeAnna is now reunited with her beloved husband, Gene Stanley Welch, Sr., and their son, Gene Stanley “Stan” Welch, Jr.; her parents; and her three sisters, Barbara Ann Tippitt, Omega Jenkins, and Anna Beth Gordon.

DeAnna’s gentle spirit, loving heart, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her memory will be cherished by her family and friends, who will forever remember her sweetness, her caring nature, and the joy she brought into their lives.

In lieu of flowers, donations in DeAnna’s honor may be made to the Dementia Society of America or the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.