Mary Welker, daughter of the late William B. Henson and Eartie Hammond Henson, was born in Avert on Feb. 5, 1927, and died at her home near Bell City on Jan. 1, 2007, at the age of 79.

Mrs. Welker was a homemaker and had lived near Bell City for most of her life. She was a member of the Life Tabernacle Church in Bell City.

On April 29, 1967, she was married to Bill Welker in Oran.

Surviving are her husband, William A. Welker of Bell City; one son, Jimmie L. Henson of Oran; two daughters, Shirley A. McClard and Sharon K. Elliott, both of Jackson; one brother, Samuel Henson of Advance; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2007, at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007, at the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Dexter with Rev. Ed Carter of Oran officiating.

Interment will be in the Gravel Hill Cemetery near Aquilla with Watkins & Sons Funeral Home of Dexter in charge of arrangements.