On Sunday morning, Nov. 15, 2020, Wesley L. Wells gained his heavenly wings. He loved God with his heart, soul, and mind. He ardently studied the Word of God. His love for God was a reflection of the way he loved and provided for his family. He served earnestly in the church and led faithfully in the DeQuincy community. He was a dear friend to many in the community and across the country.
Wesley L. Wells began his earthly journey on Feb. 16, 1928 being born to the parentage of Dempsey L. Perkins and Pearl Smith Wells in Leesville. Soon after his birth, he was adopted by Reverend Lonnie Wells and became the only son of five sisters. In his youth, he was raised by his grandfather Mose Smith in Leesville then relocated to DeQuincy in 1941.
Wesley completed his education at Rosenwald School in DeQuincy in 1944. At the age of 17, he served his country by enlisting in the Army of the United States. He was stationed internationally in Guam and served in the Korean Conflict, earning the rank of Corporal. He was later employed by the DeQuincy turpentine plant followed by a rewarding 40-year career with the Union Pacific Railroad and retired as a conductor. He notably served during the 1984 World’s Fair as well as numerous V.I.P. tours.
On July 23, 1950, he united in holy matrimony to Cornelius Cooks Wells and they established their home in DeQuincy and to this union, five children were born. For over 58 years, Wesley and Cornelius Wells built and nourished a home of love, devotion, high expectations, and precious moments with their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, church, and community.
Deacon Wells was baptized at an early age in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Leesville. As a youth, he faithfully served as a church leader. He accompanied his parents to various pastoral assignments within the AME church and was a faithful participant of the National AME Conferences. He served as a Steward, Church Treasurer, and Sunday School Superintendent at Bethel AME Church of DeQuincy for over 30 years. He and Deaconess Wells later devoted themselves to the Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church of DeQuincy. He loved his church and dutifully served until God called him home. He was Chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School Superintendent, Vacation Bible School Coordinator, and a member of the Brotherhood. He enjoyed the spirit of fellowship and community at Evergreen and loved his fellow church members like family.
For decades, Brother Wells was a very active citizen in the City of DeQuincy. He was actively involved with the school athletic teams of Grand Avenue High School; his yard was the meeting place for many youth in DeQuincy during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. The Wesley and Cornelius Wells Scholarship was established in honor of the living legacy that they created as an educational expectation for their children and grandchildren. The scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving DeQuincy High School student who plans to pursue higher education. Wesley Wells was Chairman of the Board at DeQuincy Memorial Hospital for numerous years and also served faithfully on the Board of the DeQuincy Housing Authority for over 20 years.
Brother Wells and his wife loved travelling, particularly by automobile, around the country, visiting family, friends, and making memories that will last for generations to come.
Wesley was preceded in death by his wife, Cornelius Cooks Wells; parents, grandfather, son, Carl Douglas Wells; four sisters, Maxine Walker, Jewel Smith, Amanda Wells Ball, and Joy Wells Hill, and great granddaughter; Morgan Rambo.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children: Rodger Dale (Valerye) Wells of Paradise Valley, Ariz., Gwendolyn Pearl Wells (Eugene) Garner of Lake Charles, Harry Leon (Leona) Wells of Baton Rouge, and Patricia Elaine Wells Crawford of Baton Rouge; two daughters-in-law, Debra Wells Guillory and JoAnne LaFleur Wells; 12 grandchildren, Keshia (Clarence) Rambo, Eric (Samantha) Wells, Michael Dale (Jihan) Wells, Carlos Wells, Dr. Mario Garner, Wesley Wells, Derek (Cherri) Wells, Kendria LaFleur, Justina (Alfred) Maxwell, Serena Crawford, Christina Wells, and Stephon Dale Wells; fifteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Nancy Wells Woodard of Baton Rouge; and a host of nephews, nieces, extended family, church family, community family, and friends.
A walk-by viewing and parking lot Celebration of Life will take place at Evergreen Baptist Church of DeQuincy. on Friday, Nov. 20,. Walk-by viewing from 12 noon-1 p.m. in the church vestibule. Parking lot Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 1 p.m. Attendees are requested to follow social distancing guidelines. Please wear a mask and remain in vehicles during the Celebration of Life Service. A private family burial will be held at Community Cemetery of DeQuincy.
Arrangements are being handled by Stevens’ Funeral Home of Lake Charles.
(Paid Memorial)
