Barbara Kelly Weldon's Obituary
Barbara Kelly Weldon peacefully passed away on July 28, 2023, in Gainesville, Florida at the age of 87, following a lengthy illness. She was born on September 26, 1935, in Ocala, Florida to Clyde Trammell and Winnie Ray Kelly. She had two younger and much-loved brothers, Earl and Jerry, who both proceeded her in death. A fourth generation Floridian, she lived most of her life in the North Central Florida area, including most recently in Williston and Gainesville.
Barbara graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1954. Her first job following high school was as a switchboard operator. She loved to tell the story of trying to eat as much as possible in the week prior to her interview in order to meet the company’s minimum weight requirement of 100 pounds. Although she missed the mark by weighing in at only 98 pounds, she was proud that she was offered the position anyway, based on her skills and personality. She found fulfillment in her work and took pride in her accomplishments.
Barbara met her future husband Gene Weldon at a city park in Jacksonville, where she observed him playing baseball for a city league team. Apparently, the combination of Gene and Barbara was a home run- they were married within the year on September 4, 1955. Barbara and Gene shared four children during their marriage; they were eventually divorced but remained friends until his death in 2016.
A devoted mother and homemaker, Barbara dedicated herself to raising her four children. She had a special place in her heart for children, and her love for them was evident in her interactions with her own grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She believed in their potential and supported them wholeheartedly. Her love for children extended beyond her own family, as in later years she operated a small childcare business, nurturing and caring for many young lives. Barbara was also the family historian, never forgetting to send a card for a birthday, anniversary date, or other special occasion.
A love for books and reading was her other true passion. Barbara was an avid reader and believed in the power of knowledge and imagination that books could provide. Her children’s earliest form of entertainment was the public library.
She found solace in the written word and shared her passion for reading with those around her. For the past two years, she was able to combine love of her Christian faith and her joy of reading through daily telephone calls with her dear friend Helen Cook, to whom she read scripture and devotionals.
Barbara's kind and accepting nature endeared her to everyone she encountered. She was known for her humble spirit and her unwavering encouragement to others. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Barbara is survived by her children: Paulette (Jeff) Cook, Sheree (Craig) Fugate, Matthew (Dori) Weldon, Laurie (Darren) Jernigan. Grandchildren: Jared Inman, Kristian Godfrey, Amy Langworthy, Brandy Weldon, Katie Smith, Ryan Hensen, Mariah Weldon, Darren Jernigan Jr., Daniel Jernigan, Ciara Jernigan, and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, her grandson Daniel Cook, and her granddaughter Caitlin Inman.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 11th, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home (Westarea) located at 823 N.W. 143rd St. in Newberry, Florida. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Barbara's life.
In her memory, contributions can be made to Friends of the Williston Library (FOWL). This organization was dear to Barbara's heart and supports causes she deeply cared about, such as youth scholarships and purchasing large-print and audio books.
Barbara Kelly Weldon's legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be remembered as a caring woman who cherished her family and found joy in the simple pleasures of life.
Donation Information:
Friends of the Williston Library (FOWL)
Attn: Pres. Nellie Boyd
P.O. Box 265
Williston, Florida 32696
Please notate: In Memory of Barbara K. Weldon
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