Evelyn Welty Lea
Mrs. Evelyn Welty Lea, age 94 of Lebanon, passed away on Thursday May 25, 2023 at her home. Born in Etheridge, TN September 25, 1928 she is the daughter of the late Ennis M. Forehand and Gladdis Turner Forehand. She was married as a young lady to Mr. Neil Tharp Welty who preceded her in death in 1991. Mrs. Evelyn then met and wed Mr. Harry Lea on April 30, 1993, and they were happily married until his death in 2004 left her a widow once again. In addition to her parents and her husbands, Mrs. Lea was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Givens and Nell Fisher.
Mrs. Lea graduated in 1946 from Central High School in Nashville. Mrs. Evelyn was a 14 year member of the Girl Scouts of America. She was a long time member of the Lebanon First Baptist Church and was instrumental in starting the banner ministry, a thing of which she was very proud. She loved to travel and be on the go. There was never a moment when she was idle. She spent many hours painting, reading, and playing Bridge with her friends. Her artistic abilities and her beautiful handwriting won many accolades and awards all over Middle Tennessee. She was even commissioned by Cracker Barrel founder, Danny Evins, to “draw up” the very first menu for the restaurant. Mrs. Lea was known for teaching arts and crafts from the family business “The Ben Franklin Store”. She and Mr. Welty would welcome to their family two children, Janet and Kevin, and being a mother made her most proud. Evelyn loved taking care of others and saw to it that those in need received of her kindness and generosity.
She is survived by her children, Janet Welty Floyd and Kevin Tharp (Dianna) Welty; grandchildren, Jason Floyd, Jeremy Floyd, and Jennifer Floyd Jenkins; great-granddaughters, Abigail and Addison Floyd; and sister, Joyce Binkley.
Graveside services will take place on Tuesday May 30, 2023 at 2:00 PM from the Wilson County Memorial Gardens. Dr. Ray Cleek and Jason Ligon will officiate. Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until 1:45 PM at Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home. In Lieu of Flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to New Leash on Life.
LIGON & BOBO FUNERAL HOME in charge of arrangements. (615) 444-2142
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