Patricia Anita (Jordan) Smith Welch, affectionately known as "NiNi" or "June Baby" to those who knew and loved her, passed away on May, 28 2024 – 13 days short of her 85th birthday on June 10th.

Anita was born and raised in the Myrick community of Laurel, MS. She was a 1957 graduate of Myrick High School. She earned a B.S. and Master's degrees in Business Education at Mississippi Southern College (The University of Southern Mississippi). She taught many years at George S. Gardiner and R.H. Watkins High School.

Anita taught Sunday School and served as Choir Director at Mill Creek Congregational Methodist for years. An avid gardener, she was a founding member of M & M Homemakers Club.  She was also a member of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority. The past decade and a half she has enjoyed spending time with her two "little darlings," special great-nieces McKenna and Juliana, who had the privilege of living next door to her.

A very special thank you to the staff of Gentiva Hospice for the tremendous job and loving care given to our NiNi over the last couple of months.  And thanks to a special helper – Cindy Holder Williamson.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents Woodrow & Lillian Burnetta "Hun" (Blackledge) Jordan,; her first husband Arthur George Smith; 3 stepsons Dr. Steve Smith, Rod Smith, & Preston Welch; her nephew Jordie Compton; cousins Edwina Bodie, Nell Walters, Pam Powers, Glenda Jordan, Dale Jordan, Wilford McGill, & Jeffrey Blackledge; uncles J. M. Blackledge; Cranford, W.L., & B.C. Jordan; aunts Vivian Herrington, Ethel McGill, Betty Jordan, Annie Jordan, & Opal Jordan.

Anita (aka NiNi, June) is survived by her husband Wilfred M. Welch; sister Louise J. (Ronnie) Compton; nephew Corey (Dawn) Compton; great nieces Jordan McKenna & Juliana McKayla Compton; stepsons Trae (Brandy) Welch & their children, & Vincent Welch; daughter-in-law Nancy Smith & children Brandon & Brittany (Nick) & children; granddaughter Babs Smith & daughter Raylyn Roberie; cousins Helen (Wayne) Stanley, J.M. (Lynne) Blackledge, Jr., Celeste McGill, Gerald Walters, Myron Jordan, Brenda Walters, Linda Davis, Ethel Marie Strickland, Janie Williams, Amanda J.(Scott) Rogers, Mary Alice (Robbie) Moorer, Laura Jordan, Clifton (Rita) Herrington, Dwight (Marsha) Powers, & all their children and grandchildren; Gregg (Sherry) Sherman.

Pallbearers will be Family and Friends.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Mill Creek Methodist Church Cemetery in Laurel, MS. Burial will follow in Mill Creek Church Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Bro. Jimmy Holder and Bill Myers will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. 601-649-3342.