Ophelia Wells

1952 ~ 2025

Date of Death: November 23, 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. Ophelia's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Veasley Funeral Home. 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 Ophelia Wells.

Sincerely,

Derrick Veasley ~ Director

Henry Veasley ~ Director

Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain

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Sister Ophelia Wells, affectionately known as Aunt O by her nieces and nephews, began her earthly journey on January 7, 1952, in Morrilton, Arkansas. She was the sixth child born to Wood Olan Wells and Pauline Emma Lee Ponds Wells.

At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and became a devoted member of the Rock and Cedar Street Church of Christ under the leadership of Bro. Maytubby. Sister Ophelia faithfully served her church family in many ways: she taught Sunday School, contributed to the hospitality committee, and offered her time and talents wherever they were needed. Ophelia attended Sara E. Clark Elementary and L.W. Sullivan High School in Morrilton, and later graduated from Morrilton High School. Other educational institutions attended were the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas, Park University in Parkville, Missouri, and Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas. Ophelia worked at the Cotton Mill in Morrilton, Morrilton Plastics, and later worked in Home Health as a caregiver to a special young lady whom she considered family. She retired in 2025 from Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Aunt O was the heartbeat of her family. She poured her love into the kitchen, delighting relatives who traveled from near and far with meals that felt like home. Her joy stretched beyond cooking—she had a sharp mind for word puzzles and sudoku, a creative touch for floral arrangements, and a patient hand when helping nieces and nephews with school projects.

But Aunt O wasn’t all sweetness; she had a mischievous streak, too. One of her favorite pastimes was playfully scaring her loved ones and any unsuspecting friends who happened to be nearby. Her laughter after a good scare was just as memorable as her cooking.

Under Homer Allen Wells's vision, Ophelia and her little brother, Anthony “Ant” Wells, sparked a tradition that would ripple through generations. Together, they organized the very first family reunion in the summer of 1983 at the community center in Morrilton, Arkansas. That gathering became the foundation for countless reunions hosted by different family members over the years, a living testament to her love of togetherness.

O’s legacy is more than meals, puzzles, or pranks. It’s the enduring spirit of family connection, creativity, and joy that continues to inspire every reunion, every shared laugh, and every memory made. 

God blessed Ophelia to witness the love and joy of three generations throughout her 73 years. Her greatest joy was her daughter, Christy Raynette Wells Wright. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wood Olan Wells and Pauline Emma Lee Ponds Wells; her paternal grandparents, Lank and Ophelia Wells; and her maternal grandparents, James and Addie Ponds. One sister, Ollie Pearl Cole.

This promise was fulfilled on November 23^rd, 2025, at CHI Hospital, Morrilton, Arkansas. Surrounded by her family and friends, Ophelia answered her call to eternal life, leaving a void that can never be filled. She is survived by one daughter, Christy (David) Wright. Three brothers: Carlton Wells, Charlie (Betty) Wells, Kansas City, Kansas; Anthony Wells, Denver, Colorado. Two sisters: Paulette Smith, Kansas City, Kansas; Janette (Johnny) Jones, Center Ridge, Arkansas. Three grandchildren: Shyra, Danielle, and Christopher Wright. One great-grandchild, Cayden Gill. One bonus granddaughter, Dinah Baker. A host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Special acknowledgements: Paula Clark, Rachael Williams, Marsha Canady, Darinda Cobbs, Laterica Canady, Henry Cole, Paul Clinkscale, Shawna Rae Wright, and Rickey and Shawnessa Clinkscale. A special cousin/brother, Maurice Jeffers, a special friend, Terrie Holloway, St. Matthew #2 Missionary Baptist Church family, and Trinity Baptist Church.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations.

Celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 11:00am at St. Matthew #2 Missionary Baptist Church, 1600 W. Church St, Morrilton, Arkansas 72110