Marzelle Welch Kingrey spent the evening of August 28th walking through the gates of Heaven to stand before her Lord and Savior. While we are left with broken hearts, she is singing "Victory in Jesus" in the Heavenly choir just like she practiced here with her Earthly choir. Born Kathryn Marzelle Welch on July 20, 1926 in Strong, Arkansas to William Leo Sr. and Bertha Rebecca Harrison Welch, she grew up being called Marzelle in between her brothers William Leo Welch Jr. "Bud" and Charles Donald "Bokie" Welch. Marzelle grew up on the Harrison land living out the adventures of country life. She was very active in high school and played on the winning high school basketball team and earned the honor of "most points made by any one player" with the high score of 79 points and was placed on the all-tournament team on Feb 6, 1943. Facts she loved to share with her grandchildren. Marzelle graduated from Strong High School a year early at the age of 16, as the valedictorian of her class. She immediately started her career as a secretary by being hired at Lion Oil Refinery in El Dorado, AR as the youngest employee ever hired. On October 14, 1944 she married a WWII veteran named Marcus Jackson Kingrey and they began a 50 year marriage. Along with her husband, Marcus, she and her oldest brother, Bud, and first cousin, Raymond, formed a partnership by starting Urbana Well Servicing Company, Inc. on Route One, Strong, AR right on the land she was raised on. She was the President and secretary of the company or better known as "the glue that held the whole place together". Marzelle and Marcus had three children; Marcus Jackson Jr. "Jack", Rebecca Jean "Becky" and Kathryn Jo "Kathy". They raised these three to be hard workers. Along with their spouses Joan, Terry, and Chris they enjoyed many family holidays and celebrations with her. Marzelle was a lifelong member of Knowles Baptist Church where she was raised up going and became a Youth leader then later in life the church treasurer and adult ladies Sunday school teacher and choir member. She was the oldest living member prior to her passing. Marzelle loved to "take trips", traveling in their Coachman motorhome right along with their friends. From War Memorial Stadium to call the hawgs each Fall to World Fairs and National Parks, she and Marcus would go. She included her grandchildren as often as their schools would allow on these fabulous adventures. Her oldest three; Katie Alice, Julie Rebecca and Kevin Michael could be found at anytime bouncing around on the top bunk as she zipped around mountains and big cities. She was given three additional grandchildren; Christoper, Mallory and Nicholas and they quickly learned how their "Granny" loved big and unconditional. Marzelle was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers and sister-in-laws, as well as by her beloved "Aunt Dot", Dorothy Harrison Teall. Marzelle has her children, grandchildren and their spouses, her great grandchildren Ariel, Clayton Harrison, Cameron, Landen, Anna Gale, Charlie, Lily Kathryn, Grace and Graham along with one great-great grandchild Koley and many nieces and nephews left to treasure so many memories. She will be missed by many from all walks of life. We will hold tight to our memories forever.

Visitation was held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Sunday, August 30, 2020 at Knowles Baptist Church.  Funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm on Monday, August 31, 2020 at Knowles Baptist Church, with Bro. Tommy Nash officiating.  Burial will follow at Center Point Cemetery under the direction of Perry's Funeral Chapels.

Any planned memorials may be made to Center Point Cemetery Fund, 1159 Old Strong Hwy, Strong, AR 71765