Loretta Rebecca Wells

1931 ~ 2025

Date of Death: August 29, 2025

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In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Wells Family. Loretta's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Loretta Rebecca Wells.

Sincerely,

Derrick Veasley ~ Director

Henry Veasley ~ Director

Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain

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Loretta Rebecca (Becky) Wells was born on October 20, 1931, in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Geraldine McClendon and Oscar David Jones, Jr.  She attended Howard Elementary School from the 1st to the 6th grades from 1937 thru 1943. She then attended Lincoln High School from 1943 ~ 1949 completing grades 7th thru 12th; where she graduated.  She retired from the Fort Smith School Systems where she worked at Howard Elementary School, Darby Jr. High School and Northside High School for over thirty (30) years as a Cook.

She was a member of Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church where she served as the Church Secretary, Parliamentarian of the Women’s Missionary Society, Secretary of the Stewardess Board #2, Worship Leader for the Choir, and Official Board Secretary.  On January 12, 2019; she was presented with the Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Catalyst Award. On that same day, Mayor George McGill of Fort Smith, Arkansas proclaimed that day as Loretta “Becky” Wells Day!

She was preceded in death by her husband: Gilroy Wells, Sr., and three (3) sons: William Theodore Wells, Francis Eugene Wells and Robert James Wells.

She leaves to cherish her memories: Three (3) sons: Gerald (Stephanie) Wells of South Haven, Mississippi; Roy (Julie) Wells of Maple Valley, Washington and Gilroy Wells, Jr., of Fort Smith, Arkansas.  One (1) daughter: LaGina Wells of Van Buren, Arkansas. One (1) sister-in-law: Faye Sebastian Veasley of Little Rock, Arkansas. Four (4) special daughters-in-law: Beverly Wells of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Melvern Wells of San Diego, California; Gwendolyn Wells of Lake Charles, Louisiana and Martha Wells of Tulsa, Oklahoma and one (1) special son-in-law: Roosevelt Smith of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Twenty-three (23) grandchildren, forty-nine (49) great grandchildren and twenty-two (22) great-great grandchildren. Along with a special host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she loved, nurtured and touched throughout her life.  

Walk through visitation for family and friends will be Friday September 12, 2025; 9:00am to 7:00pm (family hour 6-7pm) Rowell-Parish Mortuary Chapel 611 North 9th St., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.

Celebration of life service will be Saturday September 13, 2025; 1:00pm Southpointe Church 1101 Cavanaugh Rd., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72908.

Committal and final resting place: Oak cemetery 1401 S. Greenwood Ave., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.