With hearts full of love and gratitude, we announce the passing of Christy Welch - our beloved mother, devoted Mimi, cherished sister, daughter, and dear friend. Christy was born on October 28, 1974, and gained her angel wings on May 17, 2026, at the age of 51. She was preceded in death by her father, Allen Poore, and her grandfather, H.B. Adkins.

Christy found her calling as a preschool teacher, where she excelled at preparing young minds for their journey into kindergarten through creativity, patience, and love. Affectionately known as “Miss Christy,” she took great pride in graduating each of her students, knowing she had helped build a strong foundation for their future education and left a lasting imprint on their hearts.

She loved being near the water and was especially inspired by a recent trip to Hawaii that deepened her love for travel and adventure. Many of her happiest moments were spent in the kitchen, sipping a glass of wine dancing to Snoop Dogg while preparing meals for holidays, family gatherings, or simply a Friday night dinner. Food was truly her love language. A phenomenal cook, Christy had a special talent for putting her own unforgettable spin on every dish - recipes her family has lovingly tried, and failed, to recreate exactly as she did - all while making sure everything was “Bobby approved.”

Christy brought warmth and life into every room she entered. A natural prankster with a contagious laugh, she had a gift for lightening even the heaviest moments and finding joy wherever she could. Her eye for decorating and flower arranging helped create the backdrop for countless treasured memories, especially for her daughter’s and sisters’ weddings. Her kindness, warmth, and infectious spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her, no matter how brief the encounter.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever celebrated by her family: her children, Cyrena Welch, Meredith Gaines, and Bergin Welch; her “extra-most bestest son-in-law,” Dylan Gaines; her grandchildren, Colton Perry, Easton Kirk, Layla Gaines, and Lydia Gaines; her sister and brother-in-law, Nichole and Daniel Page; her brother, Trent Lowe; her mother, Theresa Adkins; her grandmother, Iness Adkins and the many dear friends and chosen family whose lives were blessed by her love, laughter, and unwavering presence.

A visitation will be held at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home on Friday, May 22nd, 2026, from 5-8 pm. A celebration of life will be held on May 31st, 2026 with location details to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations for a trust for her grandchildren can be made. Please contact Nichole Page at haleynlowe@gmail.com for more information.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Welch family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com