Deborah Kennon Welch

Deborah (Debbie) Kennon Welch, 61, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away on February 20, 2025, in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was born on June 17, 1963, in Center, Texas, to Drue Edwin Kennon Sr. and Edna Gay (Sigler) Kennon. 

Funeral service will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 2 PM with Bro. Bobby Warr officiating. Interment will follow at Clever Creek Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 5-7 PM at Mangum Funeral Home.

Those who were fortunate to know Debbie, know that she exemplified the word “kindness.” Much of this was shown through many years working with students, both as an English teacher in the classroom and as a school librarian. Debbie also blessed many with the message of the Gospel through her beautiful voice by participating for many years with the choir at First Baptist Church in Center, TX. 

But, most notable of all, Debbie built a wonderful life with her husband Gordon. Married on October 24, 1987, at Clever Creek Baptist Church, they loved each other to the fullest for thirty-five years. During that time, they welcomed a daughter, Lanie. Throughout her entire life as a mother, Debbie sought to invest in every moment possible and poured as much love and wisdom as possible into her daughter. 

After welcoming her son-in-law, Ryan, into the family, she also welcomed a granddaughter in the fall of 2023. Debbie loved Liza dearly, and looked forward to every moment she could see her, always sharing photos with anyone who was willing to hear about her precious granddaughter. 

She is survived by her daughter, Lanie Welch Fitzgerald and Ryan of Levelland, TX. 

Granddaughter Liza Fitzgerald of Levelland, TX.

Brothers Drue Kennon Jr. and wife Maureen of Tucson, AZ, Gene Kennon of Shelbyville, TX, and Bobby Kennon of Center, TX.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Welch, her parents, Drue Kennon Sr. and Edna Kennon, and brother Richard Kennon.

Pallbearers serving will be Steven Berry, Wesley Berry, Hunter Berry, Levi Justus, Dylan Robbins, and Avery Liker.