Mario Terell Welch, 39, died Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 at Methodist Hospital in Olive Branch. He was born November 10, 1980 in Grenada, the son of Earnestine and Willie Pittman and David and Barbara Welch.
He graduated from Bruce High School in 1999, attended Rust College, and later enlisted in the Army, serving his country for 11 years.
He confessed his faith and accepted Christ at an early age. He joined Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church in Gore Springs.
He married his best friend and love of his life, Monique, and to this union two children were born.
He was a true family man, who loved his wife and children unconditionally. He didn’t just show his love for them, but made sure he said the words, “I love you” daily. He had a special love for children. He was someone who loved hard, and also had a great sense of humor, a funny man.
He loved to travel and was an avid sports fan, rooting for the New Orleans Saints. He also played an integral part of Memphis Thunder basketball where he served as assistant coach. He never missed a game and was agreat encourager. Although he was small in stature, he was a true giant!
He gained his wings, bidding his family and friends farewell December 22, 2901. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (II Cor. 5:8). He leaves to carry his legacy his loving and devoted wife, Monique Welch; daughter, Jadiyah Welch; son, Jayven Welch; bonus daughter, Keyziah Armstrong;bonus son, J.D. Jennings; parents, Earnestine (Willie) Pittman and David (Barbara) Welch; siblings, Dawayne (Rebecca) Welch, Clifton (Tolonda) Welch, Kenny (Shelia) Pittman, Cynthia Pittman, Kashauna Pittman, Rodney Pittman, Shamekia Jefferson, Marquita Jefferson and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ozell and Ora Bell Conley and June and Viola Welch.
His funeral service was December 29 at Jackson Chapel M.B. Church in Bruce with Rev. Dr. Thomas Tillman officiating. Burial was at Pleasant Grove Community Cemetery in Gore Springs with Belle Memorial Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were Derrick Allen, Barry Jennings, Patrick Faulkner, Marco Copeland, Antuwan Powell and Tyson Allen. Honorary pallbearers were Charles Bailey, Bobby Zinn, Chris Gladney, Louis Conley, Terence Conley and Ahmad Powell.