Molly Harless

Molly Jean Welborn Harless, 90, of Lake Charles, LA passed away May 25, 2021.  Molly was born April 5, 1931 in Dry Creek, LA to Ewell and Amy Iles Welborn.  She was a DeRidder High School graduate, and attended LSU.  She graduated from McNeese State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Education.  Throughout her teaching career, she taught special education and lower elementary education.

Molly was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Lake Charles, The Retired Teacher’s Association of Louisiana, The Garden Club of Lake Charles, Chi Omega Sorority, and The Daughters of the American Revolution - Bayou Chapter.  She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church for over 50 years.

She had a wonderful sense of humor, and loved telling stories of her college years, as well as her days teaching.  Molly brought laughter wherever she went.  She loved life, always had a smile on her face, and had the love of God in her heart.  Molly taught her children to believe in God, go to church, and love others.  She loved going to the family farm and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memory are her three children, Cindy Arabie (Brian), Dianna Vice (John), and Ted Harless, Jr. (Maria); one brother, Dr. Robert Ewell Welborn, Jr. (Pat); five grandchildren, Tara Warfel (Robert), John Patrick Vice, Hannah Vice, Ted Patrick Harless, III (Adrienne), Jonathan Harless (Haleigh), seven great grandchildren, Lincoln Warfel, Cooper Warfel, Jude Warfel, Lilly Miller, Katherine Harless, Henry Harless, Charlotte Harless, Frances Harless; six nieces, and three nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Ted Harless, Sr.

Her funeral service will be at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles, 812 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, LA.  The Rev. Weldon Bares will officiate.  Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles.  Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the start of the service.  Serving as pallbearers will be, John Patrick Vice, Ted Patrick Harless, III, Jonathan Harless, Bobby Welborn, Brian Paul Arabie, John Vice, and honorary pallbearer, Scott Harmon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles.

The family would like to express their deepest thanks to Sonya Porter, who was heaven sent, for her loving care and compassion, and to Heart of Hospice for their care and kindness.