Mary Ann Welch

Mary Ann Welch, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 10th, 2025, at the age of 73, surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 4th, 1952, in Crystal River, FL, Mary Ann was the cherished daughter of Johnny and Bessie Hamilton.

A woman of strong faith, Mary Ann's love for Jesus and her favorite musician, Conway Twitty, brought her immense joy. Her kindness, generosity, and caring nature touched the hearts of everyone who knew her, and she will be deeply missed by all.

Mary Ann's professional life was marked by her dedication to serving her community. She worked as a Duval County School Bus Driver in the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s, and later as a Duval County Civil Bailiff in the 1990s. However, her most rewarding role was being a loving grandmother to her cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren, who brought immense light and joy to her life.

Mary Ann, a 2 time Breast Cancer Survivor, is survived by her mother, Bessie Hamilton; sisters, Betty (Fulton) Yancy, Louise (Johnny) Squires, Katie (Phillip) Hessinger, and Tena Burr; brother, Bill (Sue) Hamilton; her loving husband of 40 years, Larry N. Welch; children, Larry L. (Georgeanna) Welch, Tim Kight, Steve (Stephanie) Kight, and Tony (Amanda) Kight; grandchildren, Joshua Vaden, Bradley Kight, Gage Kight, Kaitlyn Kight, Kameron Butler, and Masen Kight; 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Johnny Hamilton, and sister, Linda Sue Stokes.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 15th 2025 at 12:00 PM. Visitation will be held from 11:00 to 12:00 PM. Memorial services will be held at Guerry Forbes Funeral Home in Macclenny, FL. There will also be a graveside service on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 12:00 PM at Citronelle Baptist Church Cemetery in Dunnellon, FL. All who knew and loved Mary Ann are welcome to attend and celebrate her life. Pallbearer’s will be: Larry L. Welch, Tony Kight, Bradley Kight, Masen Kight, Bill Hamilton, Phillip Hessinger and Honorary Pallbearer, Steve Kight.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Community Hospice of NE FL for their unwavering support and care during this difficult time.

Mary Ann's life was a blessing to all who knew her, and her memory will be treasured forever. She will be deeply missed, but her love and legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

The staff of Guerry Forbes Funeral Home is honored to serve the Welch family during their time of loss.