Mrs. Bernice Butler Welch, 82, peacefully passed away on Feb. 10, 2016, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 4, 1933, in Buckhorn to the late Aris Rein and Mary Gay Butler.

Bernice was a graduate of Holland High School and a proud member of Wilroy Baptist Church and the Naomi Sunday School Class. She was also an active member within the community, serving in various civic organizations.

Bernice is survived by her loving husband of 22 years, Bill Welch, and her two sons, Ed White and Tom Bradshaw, and a very special family member, Laurie Gemoya; her two granddaughters, Kitty Brown and Amy Lopez-White; and two great-grandchildren, Ziven Lopez-White and Phoenix Lopez-White, along with niece, Cheryl Saunders, and nephew, Keith Saunders.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434.The service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Parr Funeral Home with the Rev. Tim Rawls officiating. Entombment will follow at Nansemond-Suffolk Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or Compassionate Care Hospice. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.