Anna Lee Wells

On Saturday, January 16th, Anna Lee Wells “Leachie" transitioned from her earthly home and entered into eternal rest with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Her earthly journey began August 27, 1934 in Martinsville, Virginia, where she was lovingly raised by her parents, George T. Hairston, Sr. and Nannie B. Hairston (both deceased). She was the fourth of six children. She has three brothers, George, Jesse (deceased), John “Johnny”, and two sisters Barbara and Francis (both deceased).

She attended Gary Negro High School in West Virginia and furthered her education at Essex Community College in New Jersey.

Anna married the love of her life, Harold Thomas Wells, Sr. (deceased), and accompanied her husband to North Carolina where he was stationed at Fort Bragg Army Base.  To their union were born 10 children, Belinda “Gladine” ( deceased), H. Gay, Harold “Sonny”, Connie, Catherine “Cathy”, Victor “Vick”, Leander “Booboo”, Stacey, Lenora “Sugar” and Mark.

After serving seven years, the family left the military and moved to New Jersey. Anna came to know and accept Christ as her Savior and attended various churches during her walk with the Lord. She was ordained on June 18, 2000 and received several prestigious awards, all while taking care of her husband and children. During her service in these churches, she would say “God put me in this church to be of service.”

She was very industrious. She held numerous part time positions where she sold products to her co-workers and received substantial rewards for her ingenuity and commitment.

Anna retired from the Newark School System after working as a teacher’s assistant for 27 years. Upon the passing of her husband, Anna was cared for by her daughters Gladine, Gay and Sugar.  Her final days were spent in West Virginia under the excellent care of her son, Harold and daughter-in-law, Alcesta.


She had a loving heart, and everyone that knew her either called her Ms. Wells, Mama, Mother Wells or Ma Wells. She shared Godly advice, as well as scriptures and led others to a saving knowledge of Christ.

Anna enjoyed life and knew how to make others laugh with her light-hearted spirit. She loved being around her family and grandchildren, taking them to the park and to see the things she loved: fireworks, parades and the circus. Her favorite things to eat were ice-cream and bread. She even taught one of her grandchildren how to make her family favorite German chocolate cake. This, among other things that she taught, will continue to live on.

Anna leaves to cherish her memory, five sons Harold (Alcesta), Victor,  Leander (Sonia), Stacey, Mark (Tracy); four daughters Gay, Connie (Perry), Cathy (Levi), Lenora (Charlyn); 22 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, George (Elizabeth), John “Johnny” (Brenda), nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and a host of special friends: Betty Grace, Charles Brown,The Hawkins Family, Amye Evans and Tanya Bailey.  Last but certainly not least, her caregivers whom she lovingly referred to as her girls:  Colette and Jacenta. 

Proverbs 31: 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Funeral services will be conducted at the Scott Street Baptist Church, 600 Scott Street, Bluefield, WV, 24701 on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Garry Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Bluefield, WV.

Friends may call prior to services, Saturday from 10:00-11:00 AM, at the church.

Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell along with A.P. McConnell Funeral Home in Bluefield is serving the Wells Family.