On September 26th, 1939 summer had ended and the quiet rural town of Whynot, Mississippi came alive with laughter when a healthy baby girl was born to the proud parents of Adam and Annie Mae Welch. Because of her bright eyes and infectious laughter she was given the name Mary Alice. She was the second daughter born to this happy couple. Essie who was the first, now had a baby sister who she could share everything with. Later two more baby girls join this beautiful family, Lillie-Ruth and Elizabeth. Mary's childhood was filled with laughter as she had all that a little girl could ask for and three (3) sisters to share her experiences with. She had always loved church and feared the Lord. At the tender age of nine (9) she made the conscious decision to give her life to Christ and from that moment she never looked back.