Miriam Esther (Martin) Welles

Miriam Esther (Martin) Welles, 84, of Rickman, Tennessee passed away following a brief illness on Friday, January 27, 2023, at her son’s home in Knoxville, Tennessee. Miriam was born at home in Farmersville Station, New York, on December 22, 1938, to the late Merle B. and Esther Johns Martin as the youngest of 4 children. With 3 older brothers to watch over and guide her, Miriam graduated from Rushford High School in Rushford, New York. On February 23, 1963, Miriam married Roland “Tim” Welles of Arcade, New York. A consummate homemaker she, for many years, gracefully managed the affairs of the home, raised 3 boys and was a loving wife. In 1996, Tim and Miriam relocated from Delevan, New York, to Rickman, Tennessee, to be closer to family. Lovingly committed to each other, Miriam and Tim enjoyed nearly 60 wonderful years of marriage. Reflective of the principals of biblical servanthood, one of Miriam’s most recognizable characteristics was her penchant for serving others. When her mother-in-law became ill, Miriam moved her into her home and cared for her until the time of her death. A few years later, due to her mother’s declining health, Miriam moved her mother into her home and provided bedside care to her for over 10 years, until the time of her death. A few years later, upon learning of her son’s cancer diagnosis, she traveled to Oklahoma to support and assist him while he received chemotherapy treatments. During the last 15 years, Miriam compassionately cared for her husband during periodic and extended episodes of illness. Miriam was a longtime member of the Rickman Freewill Baptist Church in Rickman, Tennessee. With joy, vigor, and dedication she tirelessly, abundantly, and graciously served the church in Rickman, advancing God’s Kingdom. Not one to decline an opportunity to serve The Lord in her community, she took on many roles at the Rickman church. Her volunteer church work was her passion for well over 20 years. Throughout her lifetime, Miriam boldly and confidently proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ. Miriam is survived by her loving husband Tim, of Rickman, Tennessee; sons, Dan (Lisa) of Bear Creek, NC, Joel (Mary) of Monterey, TN, and Tim (Kelly) of Knoxville, Tennessee; brother, Gomer Martin of Hamburg, New York; and grandchildren, Nick Guertin, Timothy Welles, Emily Ann Welles, and J.R. Welles. Her legacy of modesty, humility, and biblical servanthood will be respectfully carried on by those who loved her and knew her best. A celebration of Miriam’s life was held at Goff Funeral Home on Sunday, January 29, 2023, where the family received friends from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Funeral services were held on Monday, January 30, 2023, at 11:00 AM from The Chapel of Goff Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Matthew Tuttle. The services were immediately followed with interment at the Phillips Cemetery in the Anderson Community of Monterey, Tennessee, officiated by Pastor Eric Fox. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Miriam’s memory may be made to the Rickman First Freewill Baptist Church.

Miriam Esther (Martin) Welles

December 22, 1938 - January 27, 2023