Tezzie Mae Wells

April 16, 1953 – November 2, 2026

“A life beautifully lived, a heart deeply loved, and a legacy that will live on forever.”

With loving hearts and cherished memories, we celebrate the life of Tezzie Mae Wells, who passed away on Monday, November 2, 2026, at her home in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 73.

Tezzie was born on April 16, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Richard and Aanna Graham Syms. Her life was marked by love, perseverance, compassion, and service to others.

For 45 wonderful years, Tezzie shared her life with her devoted husband, Jeremiah Wells. She was the loving mother of Dorrick Syms, who preceded her in death; a proud grandmother to DeMante’ Rashad Syms and Dornah Nashe Syms; and a beloved great-grandmother to Lil Demante’ Syms, Zoey Gray, and R’ Mauni Givans.

A Woman of Strength and Purpose

Tezzie was a woman of remarkable strength, quiet determination, and gentle wisdom. She spoke her mind with honesty and kindness and used her words to encourage, guide, and uplift those she loved.

She did not allow her visual impairment to define her possibilities. Instead, she faced life’s challenges with courage and resilience, continually moving forward with determination.

Education held a special place in Tezzie’s heart. A proud graduate of the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), she believed education opened doors to opportunity, independence, and a better future. She encouraged her family to pursue their education, reach their potential, and build upon the foundation established by previous generations.

Tezzie also had a generous heart and willingly helped family members whenever she could. She believed families should support, encourage, and uplift one another.

A Life of Service

Tezzie’s professional and volunteer service reflected her commitment to fairness, opportunity, and independence. She served as a Civil Rights Investigator with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and worked with the Bureau of the Blind as a Rehabilitation Teacher and Counselor, helping others develop skills, confidence, and greater independence.

She was also a dedicated volunteer with the National Federation of the Blind, supporting advocacy, information sharing, and programs designed to advance the hopes and dreams of blind people.

Tezzie enjoyed life’s special moments, including her love for beeper ball and listening to Kansas City Chiefs football games.

A Legacy of Love

Above all, Tezzie will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother, cherished sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Her life demonstrated the importance of family, education, generosity, perseverance, and believing in the possibilities within ourselves.

Tezzie was preceded in death by her beloved son, Dorrick Syms; her parents, Richard and Aanna Graham Syms; and her siblings, Beulah Knowles Syms, Harrison Syms, William Syms, and Kenneth Syms.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 45 years, Jeremiah Wells; her grandchildren, DeMante’ Rashad Syms and Dornah Nashe Syms; her great-grandchildren, Lil Demante’ Syms, Zoey Gray, and R’ Mauni Givans; her surviving siblings and their spouses, Gloria Syms-Harris, Leon (Theresa) Syms, Steven (Sylvia) Syms, and Derrick (Nikki) Syms; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Although Tezzie’s physical presence will be deeply missed, her influence will live on through the people she loved and the generations she encouraged to dream bigger, reach higher, and never give up.

She taught us that strength does not have to be loud, that honesty can be spoken with kindness, and that love is most meaningful when demonstrated through our actions.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever a part of our hearts.

Celebration of Life

Thursday, November 19, 2026

White Chapel Funeral Home

6600 NE Antioch Road

Gladstone, Missouri 64119

Visitation: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM

Committal Service: Immediately following the funeral service at White Chapel Cemetery, Gladstone, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The National Federation of the Blind of Missouri, www.nfbmo.org/donate-now

Family and friends are invited to share their cherished memories and condolences through the White Chapel Funeral Home website.