Fairfield Recorder
Thursday February 23, 2006

Doris Terry Welch

Funeral services for former Freestone County Clerk Doris Terry Welch, 77, were
held Friday at First Baptist Church of Teague.

Mrs. Welch served as county clerk for 19 years, retiring in December 1992, and
spent her entire working career at the courthouse. She died Wednesday, Feb. 15,
at her home in Teague. After graduating Fairfield high school in 1945, she went
to work at Fairfield Abstract, which was located in the courthouse. She took a
job as a deputy county clerk in 1948 and was appointed county clerk in 1974.
The only time Mrs. Welch drew a Democratic Primary opponent was in her first
run for office in 1974.

Born July 19, 1928, to Edgar Doyle and Bennie Elizabeth Terry of Fairfield, the
longtime county official, known to family and close friends as "Ducky," married
Leslie Welch on Aug. 28, 1948. A former barrel racer, Mrs. Welch was a lifelong
rodeo enthusiast and member of Teague Rodeo Association. She enjoyed horses and
taking trips to Branson, Mo. Mrs. Welch was a member of FBC in Teague for 55
years and was active until showed by her health and her husband's health.

Services were conducted at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Darrel Beggs officiating.
Burial was at Fairfield Cemetery.

Mrs. Welch is survived by her husband; a sister, Lola Ben Holloway of
Fairfield; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and other
relatives; a special great-niece and great-nephew, Ashley and Justin Terry of
Teague; and caregivers Christine Mims, Belinda Mims, Regina Sheppard and
Othelene Dixon.

She is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Edgar Mac Terry and
Weldon Terry.

Arrangements were made by Ricks-Bowers Funeral Home of Teague.