Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

June 5, 2024

CHARLOTTE- Donna Ethel Welch, 75, died on Wednesday June 5, 2024.

The daughter of the late Ernest and Effie Welch, Donna was born on January 5, 1949, in Jacksonville, FL where her WWII veteran father and “Rosie the Riveter” mother had moved during the war. She was the eldest of two children and doted on her younger brother Donnie.

She grew up in Warner Robins, GA, where her mother worked on the military base and her father owned a barber’s shop. A case of mistaken identity in high school resulted in her marriage to Jimmy Humphrey in 1967.  Seven years later, her son Joshua was born, who was the love of her life (at least until her grandsons came along).

After her divorce from Jimmy, and with the support of her parents, she put herself through college at East Carolina University, becoming one of the first women to graduate with a computer science degree in the early 1980’s. She discovered a career in information technology that she loved and was always amazed she could be paid to do it. A lifelong learner, she later attained a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Duke University.

In 2016, she relocated to Charlotte to be closer to family and devoted her retirement to the role of Gramma, cheering on her grandsons at the baseball fields, on the basketball courts, in theatrical productions and at band concerts. She also regularly took them to plays and musicals, sharing her love for Broadway and theatre in general.

Donna is survived by her son, Josh Humphrey, daughter-in-law and “daughter of her heart” Liana Humphrey, and beloved grandsons Nate and Elias Humphrey.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Donnie.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and in celebration of her life will be held in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church Charlotte at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 14, 2024. A reception will follow in the Welcome Center. Parking is available in the church lot on N. Poplar St. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed using the following link: https://firstpres-charlotte.org/watch/

In lieu of flowers, donations to Blumenthal’s Arts for All Program, which ensures that everyone has access to the arts, no matter their background or income, would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made online at Arts for All Access (givebutter.com).

In My Life – The Beatles

There are places I'll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain

All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life, I've loved them all

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.