Today we celebrate a Beautiful Spiritual Woman who adored life.

Sharon Yvonne Welcome was born in Los Angeles, California on November 21, 1953, to Jesse and Ophelia James.

She graduated from Whaley Jr. High and Dominguez High School in Compton, California. She achieved her dream of obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University. Dominguez Hills. Her desire was to become a teacher.

She began her career working at Princess Cruise Line where she got to travel extensively to Alaska Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, England, France, Greece, Tahiti just to name a few. She worked at Bret Heart Jr. High School until her retirement in 2019.

Her beautiful daughter, Kiara Rush was the apple of her eye. She loved exposing her to the finer things in life. She too traveled with her mom on many cruises. She was overjoyed to welcome her only grandchild, Everly Steven to the world on July 02, 2021. They were all inseparable. She felt truly blessed for the time they spent together.

She accepted Christ at an early age. She attended New Beginning Faith International Ministry for many years. She loved welcoming everyone to church on Sunday mornings and always had special words of encouragement for the congregation. She was a member of Christian Women Fellowship where women citywide came together to pray, encourage one another and fellowship together.

On June 19, 1998, she married the love of her life, Leroy Welcome. Together they traveled, attended many concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, plays at the Pantages Theater, overnight camping trips and sightseeing across the country. She was the talk show Queen, and always invited everyone to go with her to the Price is Right, Let's Make A Deal and The Talk. All who attended she wanted to win, She enjoyed listening to her audio books while driving. Sharon loved entertaining family, spending time with her sisters and bonus sisters reminiscing about good times.

Sharon loved children. She enjoyed taking them to plays and cultural events. Children came from afar to knock on her door for special treats. There was always candy, cookies, chips, ice cream, and goodies for all to enjoy. One day a kid came to the door and asked to speak to Ms. Sharon as she was affectionately called. When informed she was not home, he requested to enter the home to check for himself since her car was outside. Goodies were always available at the Welcome's home, and he wanted his share that day. All children enjoyed her annual Easter Egg hunt, creative Halloween flare and beautiful Christmas decorations.

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, God rolled out the Golden carpet, and whispered her name, she answered, and took her rest. She is free from pain, and now sitting at the Master's feet, looking down on us. She is preceded in death by her father Jesse James, mother Ophelia Jones, brothers. Darryl Veal, Gary James and sister Jennifer Jones.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her loving husband Leroy Welcome, daughter Kiara Rush,. granddaughter Everly Steven, father, Selwyn Jones, sisters: Pamela James, Gwendolyn (Kevin) Alford, Marilyn (Scott) Yoder, and Orell Jones; brother Selwyn Terrell Jones, sister-in-law Audrey Jones, best friends: Patrice Weldon and Kim Hicks; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and dear friends.