Patricia Elizabeth Welker, of Arlington, TN was born December 13 ^th , 1939 to Malcolm and Eloise Bratcher of Ripley, TN.  She was the second born child with an older and younger sister and two younger brothers.  As a young woman, she moved to Memphis, TN and began her career as a beautician and hairstylist.  This was one of many jobs that she would enjoy over her lifetime.  Other pursuits included being a bar-tender, running product specific marketing campaigns, and owning/running a grocery store.

In 1977, Pat married Larry Welker, who had recently retired from the military.  They were married for 39 years and took full advantage of their time together.  She enjoyed growing vegetables, planting flowers and pruning her beautiful trees.  She loved to fish in ponds, streams, and lakes and even had a pond built on their property to fish in.  She also enjoyed camping in a motor home, visiting campsites from Missouri to Maryland. Always one to lend an ear, she was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend to all who knew her.

Her life on this earth ended on March 20 ^th , 2018 at the age of 78.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Larry.  She is survived by three daughters and one son.  Mary Welker and Rena Hidalgo of Memphis, TN.  Betsy Carter of Coos Bay, OR.  Mark Welker and daughter-in-law Laura Welker of Frederick, MD.  She is also survived by all her siblings: Margaret Bratcher Werkoven and husband Jim of Memphis, TN. , Cordelia Bratcher Henderson and husband Sam of Ripley, TN. , Raynard Bratcher and wife Sherry of Cordova, TN.,  and Johnny Bratcher and wife Sandra of Bolivar, TN.    She leaves behind six grandchildren, two great grandchildren as well as 32 nephews and nieces.

Patricia has begun her new life in heaven, but will continue to be with us, in our hearts and minds, here on earth.

A memorial service will be held on April 14 ^th , 2018 at the Forest Hill Funeral Home at 2440 Whitten Road in Memphis, TN.  Visitation will be from 12 to 2 pm.  Service will begin at 2 o'clock.