Shelma Welch Trahan, 85 of Starks died on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. She was born Aug. 16, 1938 in DeQuincy to Dick and Mattie Gibson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husbands Eldon Welch and Ernest Trahan; brothers, Norman, Bert, Tippy and C. J. Gibson; sisters, Mable Bass, Louise Gaskins, Evelyn Montgomery; and grandson, Kent Welch.
She is survived by her sons, Eldon “Bubba” Welch (Shelia) of Starks, Keith Trahan (Jenny) of Baton Rouge, daughters, Donna Simon (Geno) of Starks, Janie Hyatt (Alvin) of Highlands, Texas, Lisa Bowers (Dutch) of Starks, Mattie Graham (Cecil) of Vidor, Texas and Deedra Welch (Ronald) of Starks. She is also survived by many grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, sister, Sharon “Rooney” Hagar of Starks; brothers, David Gibson (LaDonna) of Starks and Larry Gibson of Deweyville, Texas; sister-in-law, Brenda Gibson of Starks; along with many nieces and nephews.
Shelma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. In her youth she worked at Nick’s Café in Deweyville, Texas. It was there she met Eldon Welch. They married on June 6, 1958. Together they raised six children. Shelma was a doting mother that took pleasure in spoiling her children. Shelma married Ernest Trahan many years after the death of her first husband, Eldon. Shelma always said she was blessed by two wonderful husbands both of whom spoiled her rotten. Her love for family and friends found its roots in her upbringing and her love for Jesus Christ. In her last days she spent her every waking moment in prayer. She received the gift of the Holy Ghost on Jan. 30, 2024.
The family received friends from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, and the funeral service was held 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. The visitation and funeral service was held at First Pentecostal Church in Starks. Interment followed at Fountain Cemetery in Starks. Rev. Terry Lee conducted the service assisted by Rev. Karl Smith and Rev. Alfred Gibson.
Pallbearers were James Ray Simon, Layton Mitchell, Landon Mitchell, Keivien Welch, John Welch and Jacob Goodfriend. Honorary pallbearers wiere Kooper Mitchell, David Gibson, Larry Gibson, and James “Bubby” Simon.
Arrangements were handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 West Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
