Lula Moore Welton widow of John P. Welton, peacefully transitioned on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 3:01 a.m. surrounded by family.  She was born on December 11, 1937, in Greenwood, SC, to Mr. and Mrs. Ealum (Josephine) Moore.

She is a graduate of Brewer High School (1955) and Allen University (1959) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education.  After college graduation, Lula accepted her first teaching assignment at New Deal High School, Starr, SC.  Five years later, she obtained her Elementary Education Certification from Clemson University.  Upon returning to Greenwood, Lula taught fourth grade at Central, Blake, and Oakland Elementary Schools before retiring after 37 consecutive years of teaching.  She was elected Teacher of the Year for Oakland (1988-1989) and was well known for maintaining a neat orderly and engaging learning environment.

Mrs. Welton was a faithful member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church until her declining health. Her ministries over the past 60 years included Sunday School Teacher, President of the Senior Missionaries, Usher, Choir, Treasurer, BTU and VBS Coordinator, and Deaconess.  She coordinated numerous church trips, educational testing workshops, and health and wellness seminars.   She voluntarily maintained the church bulletin boards which beautifully displayed current events, announcements and the honors, awards and accomplishments of Mt. Tabor members. She also enjoyed decorating, preparing meals and hosting the Pastor's dining room during revivals and special occasions. In 1998, she was honored for her outstanding and dedicated service rendered to Mt. Tabor.

Lula' s willingness to work extended to the Little River Baptist Association including Association Secretary, Dean of Congress, Union #1 Assistant Secretary, Missionary Auxiliary Secretary and Little River Multicultural Complex Board of Trustees.  She and her late husband were avid attendees at the state and national Baptist E & M Conventions until their declining health.

Mrs. Welton's former professional and civic affiliations include Life Member and Silver Star of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated (Iota Upsilon Omega Chapter), Gardenia Garden Club, Associate Matron of Sheila Chapter O.E.S. #337, Vice President of the Greenwood Area Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass Choir, Secretary of Brewer High School National Alumni Association, Secretary of Ebo Acres Community Club. Her favorite things included working in her flower gardens, shopping, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren, children, family and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Welton was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Morton.

Surviving are one son, Douglas (Jolanda) Welton of Charlotte, NC, daughter, Pacquitta (James) Coleman of Greenwood, SC, grandchildren,  Italy Welton of Brooklyn, NY, Charli Wideman of Manhattan, NY, Lorcan Welton of  Raleigh, NC, Davida Wideman of Greenwood, SC, bonus grandchildren, Lakendra Gray of  Abbeville, SC, Nigel Coleman of San Diego, CA, bonus great grandchildren, Serenity Brown and Royalty Irby of Abbeville, SC and Jasilynn Gray of Greenwood, SC.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, May 31. 2024 from 2-5 P.M. at Parks Funeral Home.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Tabernacle Baptist Church with Reverend Quincy Baylor officiating.  Burial will follow at Oakbrook Memorial Park.

Parks Funeral Home is assisting the Welton Family.