Linda Gail (Whitfield) Welch of Berrydale, FL, passed on Nov 5, 2013 at the age of 60 after a long battle with Cancer. Linda was a loving mother who loved her community as she served as a First Responder and volunteer firefighter for Berrydale Fire Dept. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Berrydale where she would take the fire trucks to the local school to help educate the children on fire safety. She would dress in full firefighter gear to teach the children not to be scared if they came in contact with firefighter. She was always smiling, laughing and joking. She volunteered at the Jay School Band and helped them out from running the concession stand to Band trips. She enjoyed many hobbies such as camping, bow hunting, traveling (She loved to get in her truck and just ride around in the woods), baseball, gardening, visiting with family and friends but fishing was her favorite. Linda was preceded in death by her parents Alvin Lee Whitfield and Eunice (Brunson) Whitfield. She is survived by her sons, Marshall Brandon Welch of Pensacola, FL., and Gerald Lee Welch of Berrydale FL.; her caregiver and loving friend of 14 years, Frances Ellen Smith of Berrydale FL.; her sister, Joyce (Whitfield) McCrory and Martin McCrory of Flomaton AL.; her brother, Alvin Eugene Whitfield and Shirley (Allen) Whitfield of Berrydale FL.; her brother, Lavaughan Whitfield of Holt, FL.; nieces and nephews, Connie (Whitfield) White of Tuscaloosa, AL, Tim Whitfield of Berrydale, FL, Chris Whitfield of Crestview, FL, Matt James of Montgomery, AL.; a special niece, Shelby McCory along her faithful fur baby and companion Macey, who never left her side. A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2013 from 6-8 pm at Jay Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Jay Funeral Home with Brother Jim Lassiter officiating services. Burial will follow at Whitfield Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Jim Cagle, Silas Ballard, Gene Ellis, Randy Ashworth, Kevin Nelson and Levi Blackmon. Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
