Deborah Rene (Taylor) Welch

Deborah Rene (Taylor) Welch, 75, of Tyler, Texas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 26, 2025. Born on July 7, 1949, in Whitwell, Tennessee, Debbie spent most of her life in Tyler, Texas, where she graduated from John Tyler High School and Tyler Junior College. She dedicated 40 years of her life to nursing, working in the operating room and for Dr. Gary Goodfried.

Debbie had a profound appreciation for the beauty in God's creation. She found joy in full moons, stunning sunsets, flowers, and animals. Her favorite moments were spent on her back porch surrounded by friends and family, enjoying the pool, or driving her red jeep.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, James and Bonnie Taylor, and her great-granddaughter, Sawyer Shanholtz. She is survived by her loving husband, best friend, and partner of over 30 years, Dale Welch. She leaves behind her son, Clay Weger and his wife Anissa; daughters Deanne Kyle, Leanne Akin, Tammy Chelf and her husband Mark, Shelley Welch, Lesley Shanholtz and her husband Shelby, and Stacey Welch. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Sabrina Graham, Kyle Chelf, Tyler Weger (Nancy), Bridgette Weger, Taylor Artega, Justyn Hastings, Shelby Savoie (Michael), Lauren Norwood (Korbyn), and Brandon Shanholtz; and her great-grandchildren: Paisley Savoie, Heidi Savoie, Beau Savoie, Knox Savoie, Brayden Graham, Gabe Graham, and Rylee Norwood. Debbie is also survived by her brother, Jimmy Taylor (Rebecca), and her sister, Pam Dagley (Gary), along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Yvonne Sturrock, Kristy Redman, her caregivers at Prestige Estates Memory Care, her hospice nurse Tammy, and the staff of the Hospice of East Texas for the love and exceptional care provided to Debbie.

Services will be at 2 pm on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Hilliard Funeral Home, 386 N. Maple, Van, Texas 75790, with Chaplain Tim Wade officiating. A graveside service will follow at Union Chapel Cemetery, Smith County. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 6-8 pm at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Shelby Shanholtz, Brandon Shanholtz, Korbyn Norwood, Clay Freelen, Brad Isbell, and Adam Shoemaker.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Debbie's memory to The Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County, 3531 South Broadway Ave, Tyler, Texas 75701, or The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

Debbie's warmth, kindness, and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.