Elizabeth Meetze Welch, 83, of Lee, Fla., passed away on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022 at the Langdale Hospice House, in Valdosta, Ga., surrounded by her family. She was born in Newberry, S.C. on Oct. 21, 1938, to Elmore and Evelyn Meetze. They moved to Jacksonville, Fla., in 1941, after her father left to serve in the civilian workforce at Pearl Harbor. She was a classically trained ballerina and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1957. After graduation, she began working for Prudential Insurance, where she met and married her husband, Alfred F. Welch, of Lee, Fla.
In 1968, the family moved to Lee. Libby worked at the Madison County School Board Office and retired after 35 years. She was a member of Lee First United Methodist Church, where she served on the decorating committee, children’s ministry, and UMW. Libby was known for her vast collection of plants and beautiful floral arrangements for church services, weddings and showers.
Libby’s greatest love and joy was her family. “Meme”, as grandchildren and great-grandchildren called her, was a loving, loyal, generous, strong, active and fun grandmother. She was also a “Meme” to her grandchildren’s friends and treated them as her own. She was ready for any adventure, such as touring Europe and fishing and diving in Mexico. She even got her advanced scuba diver’s license in her 50s. Libby will be remembered for her loyalty, sense of humor, discernment and love she shared for others.
Libby was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, George Elmore, and her beloved husband, Alfred. She is survived by her children; Vivian Searcy Milton (John) and Allen Welch (Heather); her grandchildren: Alexandria McCall (Carson), Rob Searcy (Kristin), Cooper Welch (Caitlin), and Ashlyn Carter (Travis); her great-grandchildren: Grant McCall, Cameron McCall, Slate Carter, and Willa Welch; her sister-in-law and best friend, Wanda Hodnett, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation was Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, at Lee First United Methodist Church. Her service followed and was led by Pastor Steve McHargue. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Madison Youth Ranch, in Pinetta, Fla., (Florida United Methodist Children’s Home), Shriners' Hospitals for Children, or a non-profit that helps children.