Frances Welch

Frances Hudson Welch passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, November 29, at the age of 93 in Lexington, N.C.  Known as Tump to her friends, she was born in Shelby, N.C., and was the only beloved child of Rubie Thorne Hudson and Harry Lee Hudson.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Welch Sheets “Suzy” (Glenn); and son, William Hudson Welch (Diane); four grandchildren: Logan Tyler Sheets, Hilary Sheets Bowers, Lindsay Welch Hudson and Shannon Leigh Welch; and seven great-grandchildren: Tanner Thomas Sheets, Tucker Morgan Sheets, Trinity Lynn Sheets, Natalie Rose Hudson, Avery James Hudson, Aiden Philip Bowers and Landon Scott Bowers.

Beyond her family and many treasured friends, she is survived by hundreds of students of the Welch School of Dance, which she established in 1964.

Mrs. Welch attended St. Mary’s College and The University of South Carolina and danced with the Carolina Ballet Company.  She married William Norris Welch in 1950. After dancing professionally in New York City, she returned, bringing her talent and artistic perspective, to the people of Shelby.

She was an active member of the community, providing the choreography and dance direction for many community theater and high school productions.

After teaching ballet, tap, and jazz for more than 40 years, she retired, but continued her love of the arts and literature.  She enjoyed Scottish dancing, reading French literature, knitting, studying the history of the English royalty, traveling abroad, and was an active member in her church.  She especially loved France and was fluent in its language.  She was a successful entrepreneur and single mother, and was an inspiration to the many, many lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Greater Shelby Community Theatre, PO Box 1754, Shelby NC 28251 or Church of the Redeemer, 502 W. Sumpter St., Shelby, NC  28150.  A memorial service will be held on December 22, 2021, at 3 p.m. at the Church of the Redeemer. Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery.