R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home | Memphis, TN

Obituary For Danese H. Welch

Danese Hancock Welch Born on July 24, 1941 in Memphis, Tennessee, Danese Hancock was the first child of Victoria Mays Hancock and Dan H. Hancock, Sr. and she grew up in the heart of South Memphis on Stephens Place, near Mississippi and Walker. She was a Memphis City Schools Elementary Reading Teacher for 35 years before retiring in 1999 and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Danese peacefully transitioned to her eternal home on July,19 2020. She is survived by her devoted son Shawn P. Welch and daughter-in-law Renee S. Welch of Chicago; sisters-in-law Jacqueline Welch Burke of Atlanta and Anne Marie Hancock of Memphis and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and very close friends. A public viewing is scheduled for Friday July 24, 2020 from 4 until 6 P.M. at R. S. Lewis and Sons 2944 Walnut Grove Rd. Service of celebration will be 10 AM Saturday July 25, also at R. S. Lewis with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery. Due to Covid19 restrictions, all who enter for public viewing are required to wear mask. As well due to the limited number of occupancy the service can be streamed via RS Lewis Live Stream on Facebook.

Guest Book

Stanley Shotwell

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Ms V. Hancock taught a couple of my siblings at Cummings Elementary and became friends with the family. When Dani birthed Shawn, my mom baby sat Shawn at the home on Stephens until he started school. Dani and I stayed in touch over the years but, we lost touch. I was notified of her passing while she was being lnterred. May GOD bless and keep Shawn and family during our time of sorrow.

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So sorry to hear this news. Condolences & prayers to the family. Danese was a very good family friend that had a beautiful personality whom I considered a friend to treasure. I will miss our telephone chats & exchanges of contact information. She will truly be missed. RIP

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To Shawn, Renee, Anne & Family, The Hancock family lived a few doors from our family (Williams) on Stephens Place. My sister and I grew up with Danese and Dan in the beloved community with "the haves" and "the have-nots". Lots of fun, adventure, spankings, school...lots of love for all of us. Know that you are held high in our prayers and that your loved ones rest securely in Christ Jesus until He comes again quickly. Trust God! Sincerely, Velma Williams, Cheryl Hampton Williams and Marsha Williams

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To Denise Rest and peace Sincerly Carol A McNairy-Ward

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I knew her first as my childhood friend, Shawn's, Mom. She allowed me early on to call her Aunt Danese. She was my fellow Xavierite and a Soror, as well. We hung out at homecomings. No one can match her love for all things NOLA and XU!! As an only child, who just recently lost both my parents, I understand the void that will be felt, Shawn and Renee'. She was light, joy, encouraging and loving. I will remember her love for US, the children and the love that she had for her family and friends. She will be missed. You will one day find that you will smile mostly with memories in knowing that SHE WAS THE BEST AND GAVE HER ALL TO YOU!! Love, Marlah H. Mardis, M.D.

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Love and prayers to the family. I will remember Danese always as a friend, X.U. classmate, and fellow AKA Soror. She was such a quiet and beautiful soul. June Riley

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I heard someone say, A mother hold her children hands for a little while but their hearts forever. May God give you and Renee the strength, peace,and love that you will need for this part of your life's journey. Yevette's Mom, Rosie Thigpen.

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Happy Birthday!! May you know my good thoughts for you on this journey into eternal life, where there will be warmth, family, peace, joy and light! Serena Hunter

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During this time of sorrow, may warm memories and loving thoughts comfort you. Danese and I grew up together in the Jack and Jill of America organization. We had many years of fun, laughter, cultural enlightenment, and life long friendships. May your childhood friendships be a source of inspiration and support just as ours. Peace and lovingkindness, Cenetta Jamison Lee Newtown, CT

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To Shawn and Family : I was at Xavier University with both your mother and father. At that time we all lived on campus, so most of us bonded and became friends. I was a year ahead of your parents so when I graduated I lost contact with them. Years later after I moved to Memphis, I saw your mother at an alumni meeting but never connected again due to family and work obligations. I was so sorry to hear of her passing. She was always a good person. I 'm sure she is at peace, along with your father. May GOD bless and keep you during this time of sadness. Willie Marie Hamilton/ Memphis, Tn

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I was so sorry and hurt to hear of the passing of Danese. She was my first and only sister-in-law and a wonderful Aunt to my daughter Danita Hancock. She was loving and kind and I will thoroughly miss her. She will always be in my thoughts and they will be good thoughts. Delores Strickland Hancock Austin.

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To Shawn And Renee, I Loved My Uncle And My Aunt. They We're Fine Examples For A Very Impressionable Lad. To Me, Aunt Danese Was The Epitome Of A Refined Lady. Soft Spoken, Silky Smooth, And Very Inviting. She Exuded Strength And Endurance Like The Green Ivy Leaf That She's Associated With. I Will Miss My Aunt As I Have Missed My Uncle. Rest In Peace Auntee... Love, Spike

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To Shawn and Renee. The treasured memories of your mother and mother in-law are priceless. They are yours to hold to for comfort and peace right now and forever. I met Danese over thirty years ago. She was a client first but she became a friend. She was and still is a very special woman in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Although we did not communicate on a regular basis, our irregular communication was always warm and delightful. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Linda Paige

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Sincere condolences to the family. I honestly had not seen Danese since we were playmates as young children. I never forgot her because she was always such a sweet, kind little girl. So sorry to hear of her passing. Mary Nicholson Grice, Mendota Heights, MN

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To the Welch Family we send our deepest sympathy during your time of bereavement. -Annie C. Mathews

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Shawn and Renee: I taught with Danese at Manor Lake Elementary and she and I became fast friends and and shared laughs, fun, sadness and all the emotions life brings. She loved you and Renee so much and spoke of how proud she was of both of you. We would meet for lunch and talk and talk. I loved her dearly and will miss her presence. Gwyn Ray/ Horn Lake, MS

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On behalf of the Shaw Family we send of deepest condolences. Ronda and Maceo Shaw

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To Shawn and family: Danese loved her family. Shawn she loved you with all her heart. She often spoke of how proud she was of the son you became and the accomplishments you made in your career. She also knew deep in her heart that you loved her just as much. You will always have those good memories to reflect back on and cherish the rest of your life. I loved your mother, she was a wonderful friend and I will miss her dearly. Maxine Grady/Tampa FL

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home | Memphis, TN