Marie Gainey Welch

Hartsville, SC

     It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of Marie G. Welch, who entered rest on Wednesday, June 10.

     Our grief is enormous, and her loss comes as a shock to our family—we truly believed we had more time. Marie, our beloved “Ree” was the heart of our family in so many ways. She loved deeply, gave generously, and held each of us close in her own special way, always making sure we knew how much she loved us.

     Marie worked for over a decade at Georgia-Pacific’s Pressware division in Darlington, SC, until her retirement. She was previously employed at A.O. Smith in McBee, SC. Throughout her career, she formed lasting friendships that she continued to cherish for the rest of her life.

     She was adored by her sisters, Elaine Atkinson and Faye Weatherford (Ronnie), and her brother, Monroe Gainey (Phyllis), all of Hartsville. She was a proud and loving aunt to her nephews, Kenny Dixon of Hartsville, Todd Dixon (Tim O’Brien) of Vancouver, Canada, Taylor Jones (Jordan) of Charlotte, and Ron Atkinson of Hartsville; her niece, Susan Lane (Trey) of Hartsville; and a cherished great-aunt to Whitney Dixon of Clemson, Nora and Olivia Dixon-O’Brien of Vancouver, Cole Lane (Amber) of Hartsville, Kristen Pierce (Colin), and Ron Atkinson, Junior of Hartsville.

     Marie shared an especially deep and unbreakable bond with her cousin, Dawn Player, whom she loved and regarded as a daughter. Their connection was one of unconditional love, trust, and lifelong closeness, and will forever be remembered as something truly rare and beautiful.

     Marie was also blessed with a very special relationship and tremendous support system in her sister and brother-in-law, Ken and Eileen Jones. Their love, care, and unwavering presence meant more than words can express and brought her great comfort and strength.

     She was also deeply devoted to her faith and her beloved church family at Spring Branch Baptist Church, where she found community, strength, and fellowship, and where she gave so much of herself in return.

     While our hearts ache in her absence, we take some comfort in knowing she is now reunited with the love of her life, John, who departed in November 2025. We can only imagine the peace in that reunion.

     Marie’s absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her love, her laughter, and her spirit will live on in all of us who were so fortunate to know her.

     The funeral service will be conducted at 2 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, June 13th, 2026, from Spring Branch Baptist Church. Reverend Richard Clark and Reverend Buddy Amerson will officiate, with Mr. Howard Germany and Mrs. Gloria Tyner Bunn delivering special remarks. She will be laid to rest beside her late husband in the church cemetery. The family will be receiving friends Friday evening, from 5:30 - 7:30 at Norton Funeral Home.

     Norton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be with Mrs. Welch's family during this time.