Steve Welton loved to entertain.
An actor, singer , songwriter and musician, Welton loved to make people laugh.
“He was a beautiful person, a teddy bear; always sweet and funny,” said his wife, Kristina Morrison.
Welton graduated from Brookwood High School in Snellville where he shined bright on the musical theater stage.
“He took to the drama program like he was born to be there,” said his sister, Deirdre Russell. “That’s where he found himself.”
Welton acted in many musicals and plays at Brookwood including, “Working,” “Arsenic and Old Lace” and “West Side Story,” but it was his performance as Sweeney Todd that would be remembered for decades to come.
More than 26 years later people of the community still recognize him for that particular role. No one ever played the role again at Brookwood.
His drama instructors in high school had “said no one could play Sweeney Todd — until they met my brother,” said Russell. Long afterward, “He still would get stopped and people would ask him, ‘Aren’t you Sweeney Todd?’ “
“For him to make such an impression says something. No one would remember me from high school, but everyone remembered him,” said Russell.
Welton received a scholarship to the American Music and Dramatic Academy in New York.
Stephen Eric Welton, of Snellville, died Oct. 27 of natural causes. He was 43. A wake will be held 6 p.m. Sunday at the home of his sister, 2830 Brackenwood Drive, Snellville. A memorial service will be held 6 p.m. Nov. 29 at The Bywater, 796 Riverside Dr., Asheville, N.C.
“He never wanted people to cry, he always wanted you to celebrate and be happy,” said Morrison.
The family encourages attendees to bring stories, instruments, voices and memories: “Let’s entertain each other, since Steve isn’t here to do it,” Russell said.
Welton's original songs can be found on his Myspace page. Inspired by Bon Jovi and the Indigo Girls, his music styles of choice were Southern rock and old style rock and roll. Welton played the guitar, drums, piano and bass.
In 2006, Morrison was hit by a car and as a result was in a wheelchair for two years.
“He got me out the wheelchair and had me walking around; he made me laugh, he made me strong,” said Morrison. “He was my strength: He always told me I could do it.”
Welton was preceded in death by his father, Richard Nelson Welton.
In addition to his wife and sister he is survived by daughter Ivey Welton, mother Ann Foster Welton, and his wife’s children Todd, Timothy and Tori.
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