Gelene Welch-Woods

Gladys Gelene Welch-Woods, 92, of Harbor City, California peacefully passed away on January 27, 2024. Her transition occurred at the Pacifica House, Hospice of the North Coast, located in Carlsbad, CA. Although her first name was Gladys, she was referred to as Gelene. Gelene was born January 25, 1932 in Evergreen, Alabama to the late Lewis Lazarus Welch, known as “Governor” and the late Frances Elizabeth Meeks. Gelene was the youngest of 10 children.

In 1953, Gelene earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Tuskegee Institute, now known as Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. All her life, she maintained an affiliation with the Tuskegee Alumni Association. She started her teaching career in Evergreen at the China Junior High school. She was also a reporter for the Evergreen Courant newspaper.

She met and married Burton L. Woods, DVM and to this union their son, Terrell Carnelis Woods, was born in 1962. Though the marriage was brief, their wonderful son, Terrell, maintained a close relationship with both of his parents.

After moving to California, Gelene went on to obtain a master’s degree in education from Pepperdine University and pursued a successful career in education. Her professional roles included serving as an instructor in Consumer Homemaking Education and specializing in Foods and Nutrition. Following a dedicated career spanning more than 36 years, Gelene concluded her tenure in 2003, retiring from the Compton Unified School District, specifically Centennial High School. Gelene loved teaching and felt this was her greatest accomplishment in life.

Gelene was a woman of faith and compassion. She was a dedicated member of Ascension Lutheran Church, Los Angeles, for over 5 decades. In her time there, she found fulfillment in sharing her talents by teaching arts and crafts at Vacation Bible School. She was praised for her invaluable contribution as a member of the church’s 75th Anniversary Planning Committee.

Gelene was an avid Los Angeles Lakers fan and cherished all the Lakers paraphernalia she received. She found great pleasure in sending cards to her family and friends on different occasions annually. Additionally, she cherished engaging in phone conversations with her family and friends. When her mobility was more robust, she participated in water aerobics at the nearby YMCA, socializing with friends, indulging in Asian cuisine, and savoring her preferred beverage – vanilla milkshakes. She loved bright colors and old R&B music.

Sadly, her devoted son, Terrell, who cared for her this last decade of her life, died at the age of 61 in June of 2023 after a brief illness. Niece, Gayle (Welch) Shockley, graciously relocated Gelene to Oceanside, CA in September, where she could assist in her care and visit her regularly.

Fondly remembered, she is survived by her nieces and nephews: Velma Wise of Blacklick, OH; Frances Welch-Perry of Milwaukie, OR; Claxton N. Welch Jr. of Portland, OR; William H. Bell, II (Gale) of Fayetteville, NC; Louis Bell of Montgomery, AL; William Harold Welch, aka Salih Qawi of Boston, MA; Gayle Welch-Shockley (Madison) of Oceanside, CA; Gaye Welch-Brown (Lonnie) of Sacramento, CA; Gelene Welch of Honolulu, HI; and Maeetta Welch of Akron, OH.