Frances Marie Welch died peacefully on April 10th, 2016 at her home in Jacksonville Beach, FL. She was 63. She leaves behind her husband, Grape Welch; her daughter, Jenn Welch; her son, Neil Welch, daughter in-law Kate Welch; and her three grandchildren; as well as siblings Shelly Moniz and Bill Marks.
Fran was born on February 24, 1953 in Abington, PA, to father William C. Marks Jr. and mother Patricia Barrett Marks, who both predeceased her. Fran married high school sweetheart Grape on May 17, 1975. They relocated to Jacksonville Beach, FL, where Fran worked for the Duval County School District for 28 years, most recently in the Guidance Department at Sandalwood and Atlantic Coast high schools.
Fran was a loving, devoted mother to many with a kindness she shared with all she met. She loved spending time with family and friends and found enjoyment in her grandchildren. Fran was a woman of strong faith, believing and trusting in the power and strength of God. Her love for Jesus was evident through her compassion, kindness and love for others. Since her cancer diagnosis in 2014, Fran was persistent in fighting her illness and was determined to live the most of life, including making many trips with family.
On Saturday April 16th, we will gather at the beach on 16th Avenue South in Jacksonville Beach at sunrise to greet the day, enjoy some coffee, and reminisce. A memorial at Ocean Park Baptist Church will follow at 9 AM; all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ocean Park Baptist Church Youth Group (checks payable to the church with “Youth Group – Fran” in the memo line).
