In the morning of November 20th, 2022, our beloved Helen Aline Smith Wells passed away peacefully in her home in Mobile, AL. The days prior were bittersweet as family members made their final visits to Helen’s residence on Batre Lane. Prayer and words of reverence were abundant as Helen prepared to enter her heavenly abode.
Helen was so many things: a founding owner of a successful local business, an accomplished painter, a master gardener, a community volunteer and a profoundly caring and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Above all else, through her laughter and her charm, her self-sacrifice and pursuit to bring joy to others, she made the world a better place.
Helen was born in Brookhaven, MS on April 5th, 1924, to Roy Lee Smith and Vera Mae Dixon Smith Jones. Helen was raised by Cournel Radford Smith, whom she adored. She spent her formative years in McComb, MS, working in the family-owned general store and helping her mother with her younger siblings while attending school. It was on Main Street in McComb that Helen and a friend were walking to a movie theater where her husband to be first saw the love of his life.
In 1941 she was married to Arthur E. Wells, and they began their family with the birth of Don in 1947 and Melanie in 1952. Sadly, in 1967 Melanie lost her battle with leukemia. Melanie was Helen’s heart and she reflected, lovingly, on her memory. Shortly thereafter Helen and Art opened their hearts and home to three sisters - Tammy, Gail and Melissa. Despite experiencing great loss Helen’s door was always open for family and friends.
She had an incredibly strong work ethic. Helen encouraged and then heavily participated in the formation and day to day operations of Art’s grocery brokerage. She also held a position for 17 years at Moorer Springhill Branch Library. She was well known for her love of stories and sharing them with the children who would frequent the library. She was a member of NAPSS which is an organization dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of the art of storytelling.
Helen was a long-time member of Springhill Presbyterian Church and stayed active in the church into her later years. The communion table in the chapel, a memorial to Art, was one of many contributions to her place of worship. For years she made the sacramental bread that the church used for communion. In her steadfast commitment to champion the mission of the church, she leaves behind a beautiful template for a life dedicated in the service of the lord.
She was preceded by her parents, husband Arthur E. Wells, daughter Melanie M. Wells, brothers Millard E. Smith and Paul A. Smith and sisters Joyce S. Holloway and Nell S. Ward. She is survived by her son Don Wells and daughters Melissa Gaut, Gail Headrick, Tammy Davis, Grandchildren Jessica Arjona, Jason Wells, Rachel Olson, Justin Gaut, her great grandchildren and her beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to Team Kindred. Specifically, Keith Humphries RN, Cassandra Young, Creola Houston, Katina Hamilton and Bettye Johnson for their unwavering support over these last 2 years. Helen touched so many people with her generosity and kindness and she will be deeply missed. May she be at peace and may our hearts be filled with joy. Services for Helen will be on Thursday, December 1st 2022 with a visitation from 10AM -11 AM followed by the funeral at 11AM at Springhill Presbyterian Church.
