Debra Welch

Debra Ann Welch, 63, of Charlotte, NC, was born on October 1, 1957, to the late Willie Blocker and Mary Castle. On Wednesday, December 2, 2020, Debra gained her wings and went on to be with the Lord. Debra was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Welch, brothers Gary Lee Castle and Randy Castle, grandmother Maggie Ellis, uncle Bobby Castle, aunt Sara Francis Ellis, and godchild Gregory Spearmen. Debra was educated in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, where she graduated from Independence High School. She also went on to pursue her career in cosmetology, graduating from Black World Cosmetology School. She followed her passion to do hair, working with her mother in Castle's House of Beauty. She later had a career change and became a housekeeper for the Sheraton Hotel. Debra was an amazing mother, grandmother, and friend. She was known to everyone as Ma Deb. She was a beautiful person who had a beautiful spirit and she loved everyone. She was the life of the party. Debra leaves to cherish her: two sons, Sequi Castle (Tosha) and Sean Welch; two daughters, Natashia Wiley (Kenneth) and Me'el McDowell; sixteen grandchildren, Breona, Raysean, LaPorsha, Se'Quasha, Sequi Jr., Essence, Irie'Ale, Q'Asjah, Cali, Jashanti, Kaneka, Jacoya, Miasha, Markela, Kenyata, and Myiea; twenty-one great-grandchildren; sister Vernice Castle-Brooks (Tracy; brother Michael Castle; godchildren Eric Dawes, Kalomo Ellis, Man Mitchell, Twan Davis (nephew); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close family friends.