Joyce Riley Welch

Joyce Riley Welch, 87, of Madison Heights, passed away Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at her residence. She was the wife of the late Carroll Bell Welch for 65 years.

Joyce was born April 26, 1934, in Lynchburg, Va. to the late Herbert W Riley and the late Eura W Riley of Rustburg, VA.

Joyce attended Rustburg public schools, graduating as one of twelve seniors from the Rustburg High School class of 1951.  She then pursued courses in the arts program at Lynchburg College.  She was a pianist and organist for many churches in the local area.  She also taught piano privately and was an accompanist for the ballet program at the Virginia School of the Arts in Lynchburg.  She accomplished this all while caring for and raising her three sons.

Joyce’s favorite color was green, and she was an avid cook.  She loved to make new dishes from recipes she saw on television or in magazines.

Joyce is survived by her three sons, Eugene C Welch and wife, Kim of Elon, John O Welch and wife, Kim of Concord, and Jeffrey L Welch of Elon; her grandchildren, Brandon Welch and wife, Kristin, Tiffany Welch and husband, Ian Davenport, Stephanie Welch, and Ryan Welch; her great-grandchildren Hunter Welch and Emily Welch; was sister to Norma Carwile, Marilyn Creasy, and the late Larry Riley; and is survived by many other loving relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, December 6, 2021, at the Welch residence in Madison Heights, VA.

A celebration of Joyce’s life and interment will be held on Monday, December 6, 2021, 12:30pm, at the Cumbie Memorial Cemetery in Rustburg, VA.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to your local church, or the charity of your choice.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory Madison Heights is assisting the family.

Life Tribute Video for Joyce Welch