Leah Wells

Leah Marks Wells age 93 died Thursday, June 2, 2011. She was born in the Hebron Community near New Edingburg, AR February 3, 1918 to Lydia Attwood and George Evan Marks. She graduated from Kingsland High School in 1934. She followed in the footsteps of her four sisters and one brother and graduated from Henderson State University in 1939. She taught first grade in Sheridan, AR for one year, then married Duke Wells in 1940. They moved to Camden where he was coaching. In 1941 Duke became coach at Henderson. They continued to live in Arkadelphia after his retirement in 1978. Leah taught first grade in Arkadelphia for 24 years. They joined First United Methodist Church in Arkadelphia in 1942. She was a member of the Annie Maude Evans/Francis McClean Sunday School Class. Duke died in 1989. She was also preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, Clara Marks Sadler, Ruth Marks Buie, Hazel Marks Crews, Catherine Marks Riggan and one brother George Merriwether Marks and one nephew Bill Sadler.

She is survived by two children, John Duke Wells Jr. and wife Barbie and Leah Ann Wells Dawson and her husband Fred, five grandchildren, Wendy Wells Simpson (Tracy), John Duke Wells III (LeeAnn), Leah D'Ann Dawson Fimple (Keith), Deborah Dawson Kelley (Jay) and Dan Wells Dawson, seven great grandchildren, Ethan Floyd Simpson, Colson Wells Simpson, Kellan Duke Wells, Leah Grace Fimple, Brock Dawson Fimple, Caleb Jay Kelley, Samuel Patrick Kelley and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. Also a wonderful family friend, Jimmie Sawyer.

Leah, wife, mom, mamaw, was a loving and caring person. Her home was always open especially on Saturdays during football season. She loved her family, friends, church and Henderson. She loved the players that Duke coached and the students. They were a great team together.

Private graveside services will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens at 10:30 Saturday, June 4. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Saturday in the First United Methodist Church in Arkadelphia with Rev. Carroll Jackson officiating. There will be no formal visitation.

Memorials may be made to Henderson State University, First United Methodist Church, Arkadelphia Group Living, Hospice or Charity of your choice.