Alice Welfare

WILSON - Alice Smith Welfare passed away Monday, November 19, 2018 at the age of 94.  She went peacefully in her sleep.

A service of celebration of Alice’s life will be held at Maplewood Cemetery, Wednesday, November 21 at 2:00 PM.

Alice was born November 5, 1924 in Rock Ridge.  She was the daughter of the late Theophelius Randolph Smith and Euzelia Renfrow Smith.  Alice was the baby of seven children and the last surviving sibling.

She graduated from Atlantic Christian College in 1944 with a degree in teaching.  She taught eight grade Math with Wilson County Schools.

In 1946, she married her late husband Rupert Clarence Welfare, Jr.  Alice took time off from teaching to raise her two sons, Roswell and Rupert and to help with the family business, R. C. Welfare Sinclair Oil Company.  She went back to teaching and retired in 1988 with 30 years.

Alice was a member of First United Methodist Church.  She loved attending her church until her health prevented her from going.

Alice adored her grandson Richard Hunter.  He was truly the apple of her eye.  She enjoyed playing cards, laughing and making sure Hunter understood math.  She would always make him work out his math problems to make sure he got the correct answer!

She is survived by her devoted son, Rupert Welfare (Joni) and her grandson, Richard Hunter Welfare.  In addition, she leaves three step-grandchildren, Rachel, Lisa and Edward and beloved nieces, nephews, several other relatives and friends to remember her sweet smile and loving memories.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rupert Clarence Welfare, Jr.; son, Roswell Welfare; and all of her siblings.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 1423, Wilson, NC 27894-1423.