Shirley Penton Wells

Shirley Penton Wells, 92, of Fuquay Varina, passed away on March 7, 2026. Shirley was born on February 13, 1934, in Carriere, MS, to the late Harrison and Bessie Penton. Shirley lovingly cared for her home, her husband, and her four children.

When her youngest was in elementary school, she became the church secretary for Salem Baptist Church serving in this capacity for many years. In 1977, Cloy and Shirley embarked on a new journey of purchasing and beginning the restoration of the old Teacherage on South Hughes Street in Apex. With Cloy's help, Shirley thoughtfully decorated each room with its own character and colors. Together, they welcomed family, church friends, and others into their home, creating countless cherished memories over the 30 years they lived there.

During this time, Shirley also opened a shop in downtown Apex. The Rose of Sharon was known for selling a mix of gifts, collectibles, and home decor. Shirley was proud of these big ventures in her life!

More than anything, Shirley loved her husband, her children and their spouses, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. In addition to her devotion to her family, she will affectionately be remembered for her banana pudding, homemade jelly, snuggles, rides on her rollator, cookies, her one-eyebrow lift, her favorite perfume, the caress of her hand, and many other 'grandma-isms'.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Cloy Wells, her brother, Jack Penton (Diana), and her sister, Fay Mobley (Wes).

She is survived by her sons, Rocky (Larna), Robin (Othella), and David (Marguerite); daughter, Alaina Oliva (Jorge); 8 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Salem Baptist Church in the old sanctuary, and her burial will follow.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be donated to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Music Ministry at Salem Baptist Church.

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